19/02/2026
Hi everyone
Now that I’ve left Ghana, I wanted to share a reflection from my weeks on placement.
I spent time in Cape Coast at Ankaful Psychiatric Hospital, and it was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my time there. I sat in on peer-led Narcotics Anonymous meetings in the rehab ward, shadowed clinical psychology interns, and spent time interacting with patients in the acute male wards.
On the rehab ward, the men welcomed me into their 12-step meetings. At the second meeting I attended, they even invited me to read a passage. Discussions moved between Twi (or Fante) and English, so at times I couldn’t fully follow, but what I did understand was the incredible camaraderie and support they showed one another. I witnessed their “birthday” session, where they received sober chips, some only two weeks sober, others over 140 days. Hearing how addiction had impacted their lives was devastating, but witnessing their resilience and commitment to recovery was deeply inspiring.
In the counselling department, I sat in on patient reviews and discussions around treatment planning. Many patients were still experiencing delusions or lacked insight into their illness, so interventions often focused on medication adherence, hygiene, and recreational therapy.
The acute male ward, Sangmauh ward, was particularly overwhelming at first. On my first visit, there were over 30 nursing students present, and patients crowded around me, eager to talk. Most had been admitted due to substance use and were diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder at varying stages of recovery.
Some moments I won’t forget:
- A patient who believed I would help him escape, then serenaded me with the entirety of Bob Marley’s Zimbabwe.
- Another who believed he was TikTok-famous and led 30+ nursing students in a sing-song of his own creation, honestly impressive.
Ankaful is also a teaching hospital, and I met many nursing and community mental health students. It was disheartening to learn that although students were encouraged to pursue tertiary education, many waited over six years for employment due to the lack of mental health positions. Only 1% of Ghana’s national budget is allocated to mental health, and most patients at Ankaful paid for their treatment. The rehab program cost around 3,000 cedi, about $413 AUD per month, with a recommended six-month stay, something many could not afford.
After Cape Coast, I returned to Senya Beraku and was joined by two new volunteers, Abi and Cameron. Having people to process the experience with made a huge difference, and the program felt more organised and supportive as a group.
One of the most special things I was able to do before leaving was plan and fund a beach trip for the kids at Becky’s Foundation. Even though they lived just 10 minutes from the beach, they had not been in years because entrance fees were required. Seeing their joy and sharing that day with them was the perfect way to wrap up my time with the orphanage.
In my final weeks at Ankaful, we continued ward visits and shadowing clinical students. In between, I visited Kakum National Park and explored a local beach resort.
Thank you to everyone who supported this experience. Your donations did not just support me being there, they helped create moments like that beach day and allowed me to grow in ways I will carry forward into my career as a psychologist.
I am incredibly grateful. Thank you
