Aplaku Guesthouse

Re: Wheelchair accessibility

by abena

I am an RN and have just returned from Ghana on 2/21/05. The trip was a short one, but I managed to get a feel for the medical situation there. The positives, people are always willing to help. The Hotel I stayed at in Accra, the capitol, was Not wheelchair accessible. They did have rooms on the first floor, however there were about 8-9 steps to get into the front door.
At Cape Coast, a 3 hour ride southwest, the Elmina Beach Hotel indeed was w/c accessible. Mind you the air conditioning didn't work in every room and I had a case of heat exhaustion...
I did notice the area in general is Not very w/c accessible. As they only have flusing toilets in major hotels and some major restaurants, this becomes easily understandable. Ghana is a third world country,
their people are lucky to make $90. per month.
The 2 hospitals I saw did not even have air conditioning!
I saw no one using a w/c until my last day there. It was at the Accra Art centre outdoor market. They were 2 male adults, selling wares just like other vendors.
Certainly, I believe Ghanains would have No predijuce toward a disabled individual. They seem to be a very accepting people.
However, if you do plan to visit, please research the ability to care for your medical needs extensively! Oh yea, buses, simply forget about using them....again think third world nation.
Best of Luck,
Abena