Speech Language Pathology in Ghana
Ghana is a small country on the coast of West Africa. From its stunning coastlines and lush forested hills to vast Savanna plains and the largest lake in the world, Lake Volta, Ghana is a geographically diverse country. There are approximately 80 languages spoken in Ghana, with English being the primary language. Ghana has a population of over 32 million, but only has approximately 50 Speech-Language Pathologists and most are located in the capital city of Accra.
I had the opportunity to interview Josephine Ohenewa Bampoe on March 7, 2023, to find out more about Speech-Language Pathology in Ghana. Continue reading to find out about services in Ghana and how to get more involved. ⬇️ You can view the full interview HERE 👈
What are the educational requirements for Speech-Language Pathology in Ghana?
In Ghana, the professional title is Speech-Language Therapist (SLT) or Speech Therapist. SLTs can practice with a Bachelor’s degree. Those who are interested in teaching, or are switching from a different career altogether, may go on to get their Master’s. There is a Bachelor’s program at the University of Health and Allied Sciences in the Volta region. There is a Master’s program at the University of Ghana.
After graduation, SLTs must complete a one year internship and pass a written licensure exam. After licensure, SLTs must complete professional development annually. SLTs are typically employed in the health sector and private practice. Only a few are employed in the schools because the Government is not employing SLTs at this time.
How do families access services in Ghana?
Most families pay for services out of pocket, as it is not covered by the Government. For private clinics, an evaluation is approximately $32 and therapy sessions are $16. For Government clinics, a pediatric evaluation is about $12 (adult is $15) and therapy sessions are $8.
Most referrals come from health care workers- ENTs, Audiologists, Physical Therapists. However, a lot of people are still unaware of speech therapy, therefore most do not seek it out.
How are people with disabilities viewed in Ghana?
In Ghana, individuals with disabilities, particularly those with physical or visible impairments, face significant prejudice and discrimination. The pervasive attitude of fear and stigma towards disabilities denies affected individuals their rights and often leads to social alienation.
This stigmatization may be further compounded by religion, where some Ghanaians believe that prayer is the only solution for a cure. The notion that disabilities are a curse is also prevalent among some people. As a speech therapist in Ghana, it is essential to understand these cultural beliefs and how they impact individuals with disabilities.
What are the barriers to accessing services?
Access to speech therapy services in Ghana is hindered by several barriers, including costs of services, transportation challenges, lack of providers, and lack of awareness of the benefits of speech therapy. Additionally, taking time off work to take clients to therapy sessions poses another significant challenge.
How can people volunteer in Speech-Language Pathology in Ghana?
There are several ways to get involved. SLPs can provide training to caregivers or local professionals. Researchers are needed to mentor students.
It’s important to note that anyone who provides resources must be supported by a local in Ghana and made aware of the culture. If interested, reach out directly Josephine directly at Jobamp@hotmail.com.
Read my Travel Tips for Short-Term Work Abroad for SLPs. If you are an SLP outside of the U.S., I would love to interview you! Please drop your contact information below, email me directly at Kari@GlobalSpeechTherapy.com, or DM @GlobalSpeechie on Instagram.
I am a recent Graduate of the University of Ghana, with a background in Linguistics and I am very much interested in pursuing a career as a Speech Language Pathologist .
Hi Esi Ewusiwaa Asiedu, your Linguistics background qualifies you to apply for the MSc Speech and Language Therapy programme at the University of Ghana. Be on the lookout on the Graduate School website for when the programme is advertised. Cheers!
Do you take SLPs for short term trips?
It’s a dream of mine to be able to do that in the future. There are several programs out there who do take SLPs on trips. Check out these websites for potential opportunities-
Global Community of SLPs: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2582660828665601/
SLPs Going Abroad: https://www.facebook.com/groups/772428269517594/
SLP Overseas: https://www.facebook.com/SLPoverseas/
Children of Mexico International (COMI): https://childrenofmex.org/
Speech Therapy Cambodia: https://www.speechtherapycambodia.org/
Therapy Abroad: https://www.therapyabroad.org/
Therapists Beyond Borders: https://www.therapistsbeyondborders.org/
Good luck and let me know what you find!
Hi Andrea, it depends on what you intend to do. We have inter-semester placement where international volunteers travel to Ghana to support us with block placement in clinics or special schools. We often have funding for airfares, accommodation and stipend and the placement usually lasts three weeks. Thank you.
I’m a nurse with a Bsc and looking to grow my career. Would it be advisable to persue one in speech therapy? Is it worth it? And can I combine both?
Hello, Pursuing a career in speech therapy can be a valuable complement to your nursing background, especially if you’re interested in expanding your skills in patient care. Speech therapy offers opportunities to work with diverse populations and address communication and swallowing disorders, which can be rewarding and impactful. Combining both fields is possible and could enhance your career prospects, allowing you to provide more comprehensive care. However, it’s important to consider the additional time and financial investment required for training. If these align with your long-term goals, it could be a worthwhile pursuit.
I recently finished my undergraduate program ( sociology and linguistics combined major) and I’m seeking to further in speech therapy. I need help connecting with a speech therapist that I can learn basic things from in the mean time.