As part of a yearly tour to Ghana, ten of the best-performing students from Indiana University, USA, paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, at her residence.
The special visit provided them with the opportunity to interact with the Vice-Chancellor and learn from her life experiences.
Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo welcomed the team and acknowledged the long-standing partnership between the University of Ghana and Indiana University. She additionally stated that the University of Ghana acknowledges its top students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds who are given the opportunity to study through various scholarship schemes.
As part of the visit, Prof. Amfo delivered a talk on the topic, ‘Language, Culture and Health within the Ghanaian Context’. She elucidated the importance of language and culture, which she noted are vital in healthcare delivery. She noted that communication training for health providers in the country should be enforced.
(L-R) Ms. Anna Naa Amanua Ankrah, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, and Mrs. Antwiwaa Sarbah
Ms. Anna Naa Amanua Ankrah, Senior Administrative Assistant in the Vice-Chancellor's Office additionally reiterated the importance of Language and Communication as critical instruments for good healthcare in the country.
In her presentation, Ms. Ankrah mentioned that there are about 79 Ghanaian languages which include, Akan, Ga, Ewe, Dagbani, Dagaare, Hausa, among others. She stated that the English Language is the official language of the Ghanaian people, while the Akan language is the most used or spoken language.
The student from Indiana University
Ms. Ankrah highlighted Language barrier as one of the challenges faced in healthcare delivery here in Ghana.
“One of the hurdles to healthcare delivery in Ghana is language. When patients visit the hospital, some healthcare workers are unable to converse in every language. As a result, they may rely on other staff members who know and understand specific languages to assist with translation in order to attend to patients.” she said.
Ms. Ankrah suggested in her concluding remarks that formal communication training for healthcare practitioners be organised, as well as training in some Ghanaian languages such as Akan, Ga, Ewe, and Dagbani, to help improve healthcare delivery in Ghana and to ensure the satisfaction and safety of both health professionals and patients.
One of the students asking a question after Prof. Appiah Amfo's presentation
The students were led by Prof. Cecilia Obeng of the School of Public Health, and Dr. Nana Amoah-Ramey, African American and African Diaspora Studies & African Studies, Indiana University USA.
Mrs. Antwiwaa Sarbah a Senior Administrative Assistant at the Vice-Chancellor’s Office was also present at the meeting.
The team also embarked on a tour of some of UG's historic and scenic places.
