Helpful Information

You will have an incredible experience as you travel to Saboba.  Some of the experiences  will be challenging because of the difference  in culture- cultural shock,  and some of  the experiences will be wonderful,  also because of the cultural differences and the wonderful Ghanaian people.  Be prepared for both the difficult and the wonderful. One thing I can promise, plans will change. That is the nature of traveling in Ghana. Being flexible will save you grief. 

Volunteers pay all of their own expenses.

 Remember to keep all important papers with you at all times, in your carry-on and NOT in your checked luggage. 

Medical-Dental-RN License  Information

The Ghana Medical and Dental Council requires that  doctors or dentists apply for a temporary license whether serving a  short or long term assignment.  The Nurses and Midwives Council for Ghana, requires nurses  apply for a temporary license for short term assignment. You will need to ask for further information  if applying for a long term RN assignment.

I have applications and will send one on request.

Please complete the application and  mail it Express Mail  to:

Joseph Wumbee
Executive Director
AGREDS
P. O. Box CT 482
Cantonments
Accra, Ghana, West Africa
Mobile 011-233 20 769 3967 ( Add the 011 from the US. Check for  your country code )

Include a check payable to Joseph Wumbee in the amount of  $100 USD. This covers the application fee,  the license fee, currency exchange fee, check cashing fee and handling costs.  Please give the dates you would like to serve at the Saboba Medical Centre.

Contact him when you mail it, and ask him to contact you when he receives it.  Include your email and phone number.

He will arrange for the two required  invitation letters and  deliver your application to Ghana Medical and Dental Council.  Processing the temporary license takes about 90 days after receipt by the Ghana Medical and Dental Council.

Contacts 

Marita Gladson, M.A. MFT
Executive Director
Saboba's Hope
Fullerton, Ca,
Phone: 714-773-5172
Email: sabobashope@earthlink.net      
Website: www.sabobamedicalcentre.net

I live in California.  I will  answer questions about information here on the website.

Joseph Wumbee , Executive Director
Assemblies of God Relief and Economic Development Services, Accra
011-233 20 769 3967  from the U.S.
In Ghana 20-201-5715

Jean Young, MD Medical Superintendent
011- 233-244-444387  from the U.S.
In Ghana  244-444387

Kingsley Effah, SMC Administrator,
011- 233 24-659-9740  from the US
In Ghana  24-659-974

Passport/Visa Information

Get a Passport.

Remember to keep all important papers with you at all times, in your carry-on and NOT in your checked luggage.

An American Citizen can find the application for a US passport  at:  http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/forms_847.html

BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR  PASSPORT.  Keep it with you at all times. Don't give it to anyone to hold.  Don't allow it out of your sight. Don’t put your passport in a breast pocket EVER!!!  It can easily be stolen. Keep it in an inside pocket.  

Make a colored copy of the first page of your passport and your Ghanaian Visa.  Keep them in your luggage, separate from the passport so you have the information available if it is lost or stolen.

Ghanaian Visa

Click here to   Download the application form!
Mail to the Ghana Embassy for your Country.

Include a Money order, Cashier's check or Certified bank check made payable to the Embassy of Ghana. They don't accept personal checks.

Caution Note:
Check to be sure your Ghanaian Visa has been stamped insie your passport and the receipt is stapled to a page.  One lady didn't have her passport stamped and was  taken aside and quizzed. 

Medical Information

Immunizations
Check with you doctor or the local health department for their  recommendations for innoculations for the trip.

Check the United States Center for Disease Control for their recommendations

http://www.cdc.gov/travel/wafrica.htm#vaccines

Ask your doctor for a prescription of  a Zpack/Zithromax  for  any emergency.  Leave it at the SMC  if you don’t  need it.   One lady had an infection on her face and this helped!   Make a copy of the prescriptions of the medications  you are  presently taking.

Trip Costs
You are responsible for all costs of your trip, transportation to Ghana, transportation in country, housing, meals, tips. The Saboba Medical Centre can't not pay for volunteers.

A two week trip, from Los Angeles, will cost  from $3500-to $4500 per person.

You will need to research to find the best fare to Accra, Ghana.

The  flight  from Accra to Tamale  will save 1 day each way.  

If there is no flight you will travel 12 hours  by STC bus and stay overnight stay in Tamale. 

Mr. Wumbee  will make reservations for you in country, so confirm all of your plans with  him. He will arrange  your transportation from Tamale to Saboba.  


Pre-trip costs in the US
Passport                                                                                                       $100   
Ghanaian Visa                                                                                          $100
Immunizations/malarial prescription                                              $375
            Take a Zpack/Zithromax  for emergency
Overseas health insurance ( if your policy doesn’t cover)           $60
Flight- search for the most reasonable                   High of         $2400+
Trip insurance                                                                                         $250

Pre-trip Personal items                                                                         $200   
silksack,  luggage tags, insect repellant, snacks,  tuna lunch,
trail mix, crackers and cheese, granola                                         

In country Cost                               
Food/supplies     ( mosquito net)                                                      $325 

Ground transportation                                                                       $400

Antrak Airlines    In country flight  cash only- no credit cards accepted    $400
Tel: 233 21 782814       Fax: 233 21 782816

STC Bus    round trip                                                                              $60

Housing- Cash only
Accra Guest house          a night including 2 meals                    $60 a night          Make Reservation

Tamale  Radach Conference      a night includes 2 meals       $60 a night       Make reservations and include meals
(If you  travel by bus you will stay over night in Tamale) 

 
MbiiDo Guesthouse, Saboba   a night includes meals and laundry         $30

Tips                                                                                                               $200   

Souvenirs/ side trips                                    Extra

Please consider leaving a donation for the Saboba Medical Centre                   
 

Example of a flight from New York to Accra

Wednesday, Depart from JFK, New York. (Delta Airlines)
Thursday arrive in Accra a.m . Go through custom, go to the bank to change money to cedi's; get lunch and do the necessary shopping; spend the night.
Friday   fly north to Tamale.  Arrange to be met at airport. Shop for fresh vegetables and yams and drive to Saboba; Collapse from fatigue.
Saturday  courtesy visits to the chiefs. Get familiar with the area.
Sunday   Church, Rest and prepare for the week;
Monday through Sunday  volunteer work in Saboba;
Monday morning leave Saboba early to catch the flight to Accra; spend the night.             
Tuesday depart for US.  Arrive home.
If either leg of the flight Accra/Tamale is cancelled the schedule changes. Take the STC bus,  a 12 hour ride.

 

Health Insurance  

Purchase health insurance, because your policy likely won't cover any emergencies while overseas.   

Adams & Associates International®
PO Box 5845, Columbia, SC 29250-5845 USA
Telephone: 1-800-922-8438      803 / 758-1400              website: www.aaintl.com  

Consider buying trip cancellation insurance.

 
Airlines.
Airlines from the US
Delta from JFK to Accra
Northwest to Amsterdam- KLM to Accra
Continental Airlines to Frankfurt- Lufthansa to Accra
American Airlines to London Heathrow- British Air to Accra

Check here for the current exchange rate.
http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic

You may purchase Ghanaian CEDI only in Ghana.  Bring all cash.  Carry your extra money in a money belt. Please do not bring travelers checks as they are very difficult and expensive to cash. 
Bring a fanny pack that has a compartment to hold your dollars,  passport, and ticket,  on one side  and the Ghanaian currency on the other,  with a center, compartment for wipes, chapstick, antibacterial gell, snacks, a pocket on each end  for a cell phone and a camera.  A fanny pack is invaluable because you can keep your hands free and keep your valuables close.  You will need all your documents at several check points at each airport. I usually carry several small coin purses for coins from each country.

Plan for cash transactions.  Credit Cards can be used on a limited basis.  You can withdraw cash, and charge a hotel room.  The regional airlines and guesthouses DO NOT accept credit cards. 

 Arrival in Accra

Remember to keep all important papers with you at all times, in your carry-on and NOT in your checked luggage.

Before landing in Accra, you will be given an immigration form to complete.  Keep this card with your passport until you have cleared immigration and customs.  The form will ask for your address in Ghana. 

Print this out as you will need the addresses.  Have it available with your travel papers.

Use either address:

           -Saboba Medical Centre P.O. Box 29 Saboba NR, Ghana

            -AGREDS  P.0. Box C- 482 Cantonments, Accra, Ghana

When you arrive, you will walk across the tarmac to the terminal.

First you go through immigration.

BE SURE YOUR GHANAIAN VISA HAS BEEN STAMPED IN YOUR PASSPORT BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME.

Next you pick up your luggage and put it on a cart ( trolley) and go through customs.

Tell them you are a volunteer, or missionary going to the Saboba Medical Centre  in the Northern Region.

As you leave the terminal, handle your own cart and luggage. You will be bombarded by volunteer porters. Do not allow them to help you. You don’t have Cedis so don’t let them  handle your  bags.  They are very aggressive.  Say NO! Unknowingly some visitors have been persuaded to pay excessive  tips.  The host or driver will pay the porters with cedis if he elects to use one.   Arrange with Mr. Wumbee to pick you up.

Accomodations/Transportation 

Volunteers pay all of their own expenses.

Guesthouses

ACCRA

3.  Fiesta Royale Hotel

$280  Meals extra CREDIT CARD ACCEPTED  Luxury Hotel   (011)233 21 517411
    http://fiestaroyalehotel.com/home/
    reservations@fiestaroyalehotel.com
    Arrange for them to pick you up from the airport.

Taxi
These phone numbers are for dialing in Ghana.
George – 0 233 24   387 3177 
Liberty – 0 233 244 707 568
The prefixes are different when calling  from another countries.  

Getting to Saboba
The best option is to fly north to Tamale from Accra.  $300 round trip   CASH ONLY
Antrak Air
Tel: 0 233 21 782814/17
Fax: 0 233 21 782816  
Email: info@antrakair.com
Website: www.antrakair.com

If there are no flights then take the  STC bus- a 12 hour trip with an overnight stay in Tamale. Tell the bus driver you would like to get off at Japan Motors Lamashegu- Industrial Area. You are going to Radach Conference Centre. Its about 200 yards from Japan Motors. Young people will tote your luggage for a tip.

                      
Tamale

Radach Conference Centre  Tamale, NR. CREDIT CARD ACCEPTED
about $40 a night - Meals extra
Location: # 73  Industrial Area, Lamashegu. Tamale.
Postal Address: P. O.  Box TL 1313. Tamale. N/R. Ghana.
Telephone: 011  233-71-25784, +233-71-25783.    (011 only from the U.S.)
Fax: 011 233-71-25786.   Web site: www.radach.org   E-mail: info@radach.org

Saboba

Mbiib-Do Guest House               CASH ONLY
Philimon Suisong,
Phone numbers  (011) 233-243-144926  ( 011 only from the U.S.)    

Volunteers pay all of their own expenses.       

Suggestion on what to take.

Pack camera or video equipment in your carry on. You should not be required to pay  any custom fees.

****** DON’T BRING ANYTHING THAT IS MILITARY IN APPEARANCE, I.E. OLIVE GREEN OR CAMOUFLAGE CLOTHES, ARMY SURPLUS, FOOT LOCKERS OR CANTEENS.

A silk sleep sack , gives the assurance that what you are sleeping on is clean. Folds into a compact sleeve.  

http://www.ebags.com/dreamsacks/dreamsacks_twin_size_travel_silk_sheets/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=58585

http://www.ebags.com/dreamsacks/dreamsacks_queen_size_travel_silk_sheets/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=58590

luggage tags, insect repellant, snacks, packaged foods, cheese crackers, peanut butter and crackers,  trail mix, crackers, granola, instant oatmeal, instant coffee.

Take 2-3 Ezfreeze by Cool Gear,  storage containers. At the guest house put the lid in the freezer. Carry in an insulated bag  for snacks when traveling. Works very well.    http://www.coolgearinc.com/storage.html

Electricity;  Ghana has 220 volts 50 cycles.    Take a transformer kit.

Cell Phone

A cell phone is invaluable.   Buy one in Ghana, or arrange to have your phone work there.

You will be able to access the internet at the guesthouses or hotel in Accra and Tamale,  but not yet in Saboba.  Opening of an internet cafe is pending.

Camera:  Take a digital with an extra memory card and batteries

Bring:  Reading material, devotional material, notebook-journal pen
             Chewing gum or hard candy for take off and landing. 

Gifts

It is important that you take a small item to the Chief and  the Toma Regent,  a cap, a large T-shirt, a coffee mug.  You might also ask a bank, credit union or pharmaceutical company to donate pens,  visors, something small,  for the SMC.  of about 100.  They all live at the poverty level and have a difficult time paying their children’s school fees, so a small gift will be greatly appreciated.

Your time, and labor are generous gifts. You don’t have to give anything but your service. The people have been conditioned to expect gifts from foreign  guests.  Don’t be pressured.  You may donate money to the Saboba Medical Centre if you wish, but you are not obligate. 

Health and Living Conditions

The guest houses are reasonably comfortable and fairly clean. The major hotels in Accra are very nice and luxurious.

Electricity;  Ghana has 220 volts 50 cycles.   Take a transformer kit.

Most windows have screens to reduce the very real threat of mosquitoes. Even with proper prophylaxis, malaria can be a serious problem.  It is recommended that a mosquito net is used on the bed at night. Use insect repellant often.

Typhoid is a serious illness too.  Wash your hands after shaking hands, (don’t be obvious), handling dirty money and before eating. Wash with antibacterial gels or alcohol wipes.  Eat only “safe” foods which means canned, hot from the pot, peeled or washed in bleach. Wipe off everything before opening i. e. tops of cans. Drink only filtered water, bottled water, water boiled 1 minute, tea. One needs to drink plenty of water, ideally 3 liters per day because of the climate. You can buy filtered sachets of water in Saboba.  You can purchase boxed fruit juices and bottled water  in Accra. Ask for drinks without ice, unless you have made the ice from bottled or filtered water.  

AVOID POPSICLES AND FLAVORED ICES THAT MAY HAVE BEEN MADE WITH CONTAMINATED WATER.

This will reduce the threat of typhoid fever and hepatitis A. Occasional diarrhea can still occur but is usually not a serious health threat.

You will stay in guest houses with  running water, and flush toilets and showers with cold water. The water is clean enough to shower,  but  use bottled water to drink or brush your teeth.

We recommend that you wear shower shoes in all guest houses to avoid catching something.  

NEVER WALK BAREFOOT ANYWHERE  OUTDOORS, INDOORS, FRESHWATER STREAMS,  IN THE SHOWER.  ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING ON YOUR FEET TO PROTECT AGAINST INFECTION OR CRITTERS THAT BITE.

You can do your own laundry in the hand basin or hire it done. Be sure to take a bar of soap. Items  dried outside  should be brought in by mid-afternoon to avoid mango worm infestation.

There are a few snakes and scorpions  in the area.  It is a good idea to look in you shoes before you put them on. People have been bitten, especially those farming.  Anti-Venom is difficult to get,  so be extra careful.

Mosquitoes and Mosquito Repellant Mosquito Nets

-    Bugz Off! Lotion  purchased from BugzOff.com.  It is lemon eucalyptus oil, and is less  toxic.                         (Put it on faithfully. I forgot and was badly bitten.)
-     Insect repellant wipes (6-30% deet)
-     Spray Permethrin on your clothes before you leave, and is good for  3 washings.  It is used on           mosquito nets.

Malaria Prophylaxis

Ghana is a malaria-endemic country.  You need to begin to  take a Malaria Prophylaxis before you leave and for a few weeks after you return home.  Dr. Young recommends Doxycycline. It is a photosensitizer, so don’t use it if you plan to cultivate a tan.  Check with  your doctor. Use a mosquito net. Take one with you or buy one in Accra.  Take a hook to put in the ceiling for hanging.  

The CDC gives this instruction regarding food
                  “Boil it, cook it, peel it, forget it”

Eat foods that have been thoroughly cooked and are still hot and steaming.  Avoid foods and beverages from street vendors. It is difficult for food to be kept clean on the street and many travelers get sick from food bought from street vendors.

Only eat raw fruit  or vegetables that you can peel yourself. Wash the item in filtered water before you peel. Do not eat the peelings.  You can trust those who work in most guest houses. They have been taught to take care of the ‘foreign stomach’.

Vegetables, like lettuce are easily contaminated and are very hard  to wash well.  Cook or to eat raw soak in bleach and rinse in filtered water.

What to wear!

Dress for Women

Women must be very conscious of their appearance. You will be in areas where religious groups have very specific dress codes, so be respectful and honor them.  Dresses, skirts or slacks are acceptable in the village of Saboba. When in doubt wear a dress or a skirt.

Blue jeans are hot and discouraged.   Do  not wear halter or sleeveless tops, and  keep  cleavage and belly covered. You are a guest in a country where some have very specific cultural rules, and it is very wise and appropriate to accomodate them.

For 2 weeks plan 5 outfits-   1 being worn, 1 drying, 2 clean, 1 church type.

Lightweight clothing, temperature averages  70-80 at night and 90-110 during the day.

Polyester/cotton slacks breathes easier and keeps one drier in the tropics. No spandex, it is too hot.

Dresses and tops with sleeves,  modest  neckline no cleavage or underwear showing, hat, coverup, scrubs, sleep wear,  shoes for church, underwear, comfortable walking/work shoes, long sleeve shirt for nights against mosquitoes, shorts may be worn only in the house.

Meeting Officials/Church/Ministry: dress, skirts well below the knee, tops with short sleeves and modest neckline, slacks/capris, shoes/sandals.

Dress for Men

For 2 weeks plan 5 outfits-1 being worn, 1 drying, 2 clean, 1 church type. Add an extra  outfit if you will be doing  dirty work.

Blue jeans are hot and not recommended although, Bob Young wears them.

Lightweight clothing, temperature averages  70-80 at night and 90-110 during the day.

Polyester/cotton breathes easier and keeps one drier in the tropics.

T-golf shirts, sport shirt, dress shoes, work pants/shorts, walking/work shoes, long sleeve shirt for night, swimsuit, hat, walking shorts, underwear,  sleep wear.

Meeting Officials, Ministry and in church:  slacks, shirt and tie or sports shirt  shoes/sandals. Jacket not required.

Informal dress: slacks, shorts, tee shirts.

Construction: pants, shorts, tee shirts, boots.

 Packing Information

 
Compression Storage Bags.

Pack sets of clothes in a bag, compress out the air, and conserve space. Convenient for going through security. Items can be seen and they are protected from contaminated hands. Comes in several sizes. Clothes do wrinkle.

Check weight and number of bags allowed by your Air Line. With new security restrictions, allowances change often.

You may be allow to check 2 bags with a weight of 50 lbs each and a carry on of 15 lbs.  Use one of the checked bags for supplies for the SMC.  Antrak Air the regional airline charges for over weight bags.

Learn how to travel with one bag at
 http://www.onebag.com/
“...you want a carryon-sized bag (length + width + height = no more than 45 inches)* with soft sides (which conform better to both their contents and the places you might stow them) and strong construction. Whenever possible, resist the temptation to check bags; you can live indefinitely out of a carryon, and enjoy the consequent benefits of increased security, economy, mobility, and serenity. And remember, the goal isn't to see how much stuff you can bring aboard a plane — it's learning to manage happily with a single bag of modest size. *( i.e. a bag 21.5 x 14.5 x 9)

Pack all valuables, like cameras equipment, all essentials like toiletries, prescriptions medications in the carry-on in carry-on luggage. Wear only inexpensive jewelry and watches.  Include a change or two of clothing in your carry-on bag, in the event your checked bags are lost . Pack as lightly as possible. You want to save room for souvenirs.

 Personal Medicines/ Prescriptions/Toiletries

Ask your doctor for a prescription of Zithromax  as an emergency.

Make a photocopy of the prescriptions you are taking.

Take enough medication for your trip and several extra days just in case of a delay.

Get your anti-malarial prescription and begin to take it before you leave as directed by your doctor.

Take antibacterial gel. They are available in a small size with a holder to attach to  a fanny pack.  Wipe hands after shaking hands, touching money, touching anything.  Be subtle.

antibiotic cream                            antacids
Pepto Bismol tabs                        powder for heat rash
eye drops                                       cold or sinus tabs
Tylenol and Tylenol PM            Band Aids
vitamins                                         something for motion sickness   
Ibuprofen                                      Anti-itch cream -for bug bites-
Apis Mell 6x  for bites stings swellings (This worked very well for me)
Add your own__________________

Personal Toiletries

shampoo                        hair spray
tooth paste                     tooth brush  
deodorant                      razor
shaving cream              moisturizer
lip moisturizer              hand lotion
baby powder                wipes ( use to bathe if  you don’t have water)

 Essentials

 Take a pillow,  most were too hard or too soft.  Take a pillow case, and a set of flat queen sheets, and a towel set, bath, hand and wash cloth. You will leave them as a donation to the hospital. The sheets are for unanticipated needs, i.e.  the bed looks slept in.

International alarm clock                              Voltage Converter/Transformer Kit   110 - 220
camera batteries                                               (rechargeable- with charger and adapter)
extra pair of glasses                                         hearing aid batteries if needed
flash light and batteries                                 universal sink plug fits all drains
sun glasses                                                          shower shoes                                        shower cap
toilet seat covers                                                packets of tissues 
The public toilets ( if you can find one)  are terrible so touch as little as possible keep your pants and bags of the floor.  You may have to take a trip into the field. Ladies wear a dress. Wash hands with antiseptic gel.

Websites - checklist

https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/gh.html

www.ghanaweb.com

http://www.ghanatourism.gov.gh/main/index.asp

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/africa/ghana

Air Travel and Check List

-Confirm flight and reservations
-Check the for  current  issues relating to Ghana Vaccinations
-Malarial medication- Begin as prescribed
-Passport
-Visa
-Tickets
-Travel Insurance Documents
-Photo copies of all important documents
passport,  insurance,  visas and  pack them separately from the originals and leave a copy at home
-Credit card   The Visa card is the easiest to use. Credit cards are of limited use. Have them only as an emergency.  You can withdraw cash and charge your room at some hotels. 

-DO NOT use traveler’s checks, as they charge high cashing fees.
- Country travel book

 
Volunteers pay all of their own expenses.