Ghana: Global Gateway Summer 2026 (Discoveries)
Program: UW Global Gateway in Ghana, Summer
McKenzie M: “That’s new to me” Moment
On day nine of our classes we had a guest lecturer, Fidelia Ohemeng, who is a Professor at the University of Ghana. Professor Ohemeng talked to us about healthcare in Ghana. When discussing healthcare, we talked about how Ghana has both public and private hospitals. Along with public and private insurance companies, similar to the US. What surprised me though was that in Ghana, insurance does not cover chronic illness under the National Health Insurance Scheme. In the US when you have insurance, it typically covers chronic illnesses under the Affordable Healthcare Act. In Ghana no such thing exists. Due to this, those suffering from chronic illness, like cancer, often have to pay out of pocket. The problem with this is that most Ghanaians do not have the proper wages to cover such cost and oftentimes healthcare treatments are in certain areas of Ghana which tend to be urban, unfortunately excluding more rural areas, whoso residents must also overcome the infrastructure deficits present in Ghana. Such deficits are why illnesses progress in people, as routine checks up are not common and when done might prove themselves too late.
Fortunately, the new president of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, who recently took office in January of 2025, is proposing MahamaCares. Similar to the Affordable Healthcare Act, MahamaCares hopes to provide financial healthcare support for Ghana’s lower class, specifically those battling chronic illnesses such as cancer, kidney failure, etc. This is very important as it is not something that has been done before and can be seen as a more progressive plan for Ghana’s future under President Mahama. It is also important because many Ghanaians will now be able to afford healthcare. The obvious downsides are that not everyone will have access to healthcare still and these programs will be selective initially, but it is a step towards the right direction. I did not know that insurance did not cover chronic illness in Ghana, but I am happy that the new President is introducing ways to help solve this issue. A great lecture and lesson provided by Professor Ohemeng!
Alex M: Sustainability in Legon
Have you ever wondered where that shirt you haphazardly donated went? Or that pair of pants? There is a high possibility that they ended up in Kantamanto Market, located in Accra, Ghana.
When I first started to reflect on sustainability practices I have noticed during my brief time in Ghana, the one thing I could not stop thinking about was Kantamanto Market. There is no doubt that fast fashion consumption has gotten out of hand. Trends are cycling quicker than ever, and any piece of clothing you could ever want is one click away from being yours on SHEIN.
While you might not think too much about these purchases, they are having detrimental effects on the environment. Kantamanto market is one of the biggest second-hand clothing markets in the world. Every day, up to 1,000 tons of clothing ends up arriving at Kantamanto Market. While the locals working booths at the market do their best to resell these clothes and be sustainable, there is just too much to even go through, which is causing immense amounts of pollution. To address this issue, people in the western world need to be more conscious about the amount of clothing they are consuming. Our overconsumption is causing more textile pollution than you could ever believe.
Aloysius T: A Home away from Home in Legon
This program has been an amazing experience through and through thus far. I have gained invaluable knowledge and insight about the history surrounding Ghana economically and socially. Aside from its historical impact, I have also had the privilege to get a more personal experience of the culture and customs firsthand.
Prior to coming, my father would always give me lessons on bargaining and how it’s a crucial part of the everyday life of living in Ghana. Currently being on the ground in Ghana, I can now see how these lessons were extremely beneficial. Bargaining, whether at the market or any place of sale, has become a part of my everyday life.
A memorable moment concerning bargaining, was on June 6th when me and my cohort visited the Makola market in Accra. Upon arrival, the market was super busy and somewhat overwhelming as it was extremely crowded and busy. Though it was certainly a hiccup, it did not delay the excitement of being able to get things. My main focus was purchasing a jalabiya (A traditional gown for men), and after being led to the destination by CIEE Staff, Rose, to where they are sold in the market I managed to select the ones I wanted. Shortly after the bargaining began, the street vendor started off with a price of 200GHS a piece, and after bargaining for a while, I managed to get it down to the price of 130GHS a piece. Being satisfied with the pricing, I got myself two. Throughout the entire process, which lasted for about 15 minutes, the vendor was extremely friendly and kind as well as the other vendors who were nearby. This interaction was a memorable and meaningful experience, considering it was my first time bargaining and understanding how the markets work. Having the help and the general support of everyone who contributed made it a much greater experience, especially the laughter and memory shared with the locals at the market.