Welcome to Ghana, where the culture is rich, the people are friendly, and the healthcare system is… complicated. Traditional beliefs and practices have been an integral part of our culture for centuries, and they continue to shape the way we approach our health and well-being. From juju to jollof, the impact of traditional beliefs on healthcare utilisation in Ghana is both fascinating and complex.
Let’s start with juju. For those who don’t know, juju is a traditional practice that involves the use of magic, spells and other supernatural means to achieve a desired outcome. Here in Ghana, juju has been used for everything from healing illnesses to “winning elections”. While some may dismiss it as superstition, juju continues to hold sway over many of us, particularly in rural areas where modern medicine may be scarce or unaffordable.
This reliance on traditional practices has significant impact on healthcare utilisation in Ghana. For example, a person who believes that their illness is caused by a curse or spiritual possession may be less likely to seek medical treatment; but turn to a traditional healer or juju practitioner for help. While traditional healers can play an important role in the healthcare system, they may not always have the training or resources necessary to effectively treat certain illnesses.
On the other hand, some of us may reject traditional beliefs altogether, in favour of Western medicine. This can also pose challenges, as some may view Western medicine as cold and impersonal, lacking the personal touch and cultural sensitivity that they may expect from traditional healers. As a result, some of us may avoid seeking medical care altogether, leading to untreated illnesses and poorer health outcomes.
So, what’s the solution? As with most complex issues, there’s no easy answer. However, one potential solution is to work toward greater integration of traditional and Western medicine. By training traditional healers in modern healthcare practices and encouraging communication and collaboration between traditional and Western healthcare providers, we can create a more holistic and patient-centred healthcare system that takes into account the diverse cultural beliefs and practices of the Ghanaian people.
Another key solution is education. By raising awareness about the benefits and limitations of both traditional and Western medicine, we can empower people to make informed decisions about their healthcare. This can include everything from providing information about the risks and benefits of traditional practices to promoting the importance of regular check-ups and preventative care.
Of course, this is easier said than done. Traditional beliefs and practices are deeply ingrained in Ghanaian culture; and changing attitudes and behaviours will take time and effort. However, by working together and leveraging the strengths of both traditional and Western medicine, we can create a healthcare system that is truly inclusive and effective.
Now, let’s talk about jollof. Jollof rice is a beloved dish that has been the subject of much debate and controversy. Some say that Ghanaian jollof is the best while others swear by the Nigerian version. While this may seem like a lighthearted topic, it speaks to a deeper cultural divide between Ghana and its neighbours.
This cultural divide can also play a role in healthcare utilisation. For example, some Ghanaians may be hesitant to seek medical treatment in neighbouring countries due to cultural and linguistic differences. This can be especially true for members of certain ethnic groups or language communities, who may face discrimination or barriers to accessing healthcare in other countries.
However, this cultural divide can also present opportunities for collaboration and learning. By working with healthcare providers from neighbouring countries. Ghana can explore different approaches to addressing traditional beliefs and improving healthcare utilisation. For example, neighbouring countries like Togo and Benin have successfully integrated traditional medicine into their healthcare systems, providing a model for Ghana to follow.
But it’s not just about learning from other countries. Ghana also has a rich tradition of herbal medicine that can be incorporated into modern healthcare practices. By acknowledging and validating traditional beliefs and practices, healthcare providers can build trust and rapport with patients and encourage them to seek out the care they need.
At the end of the day, it’s about finding a balance between respecting traditional beliefs and ensuring access to high-quality healthcare. As Ghana continues to grow and develop, it’s important to prioritise the health and well-being of all its citizens, regardless of their cultural background.
So, let’s raise a glass of palm wine to the future of healthcare in Ghana, where Juju and Jollof can coexist in harmony, and where traditional beliefs are valued and integrated into modern medicine. Cheers to good health for all!
>>>I’ll be your wingman on your health journey! The writer is a public health professional with a Master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Springfield, USA and works as a Medical Fraud Analyst at the Illinois Office of Inspector-General. He founded GD Consult in Ghana to promote healthy lifestyles and developed innovative projects, such as a Health Risk Assessment Model for hydraulic fracking operations. He can be reached via [email protected]
