By: Rachel Kakraba
Thirty American trainees have officially been sworn in as Peace Corps Volunteers, to serve in various communities in Ghana. The event which marked a renewed commitment to partnership and development between the two countries, brought together government officials, Peace Corps staff and representatives of host communities.
The volunteers have over the past 10 weeks undergone instruction in local languages, cultural integration, technical skills, and community engagement to prepare them for the task ahead. They will be deployed to the Northern, Bono, Bono East and Volta regions to serve in the Agriculture, Health and Education sectors. Others have been assigned to schools for the deaf across the country.
Peace Corps Ghana Training Manager Augustina Ayisila, noted that this year marks a historic milestone, commemorating 65 years of the organization’s presence in Ghana. She said volunteers have been key in contributing to capacity building initiatives and supporting development initiatives.
Madam Ayisila, commended the volunteers for the passion and resilience to serve humanity.
“You have chosen a path of service that is not for the weak, but for those who are courageous, selfless and committed to making a difference in this world. You have been through rigorous dreams preparing you for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and I want to commend each one of you for your dedication, resilience and passion for service”
She said the 10 weeks of preservice in Agomeda and Aseseso communities in the Eastern region was intense, taking a toll on volunteers mentally, emotionally, and physically, but has equally prepared them for excellence.
“From having to adjust to different sleeping time and culture to session venues in balconies and in churches to language practice with language resource families in their homes, to site visits where you got to meet some of your community members, job shadow, where you got to experience the life of a volunteer. Through it all you have been sad, happy, tired, anxious and everything. Thank you for your resilience, your courage, your adaptability, flexibility, and most importantly your excellence”
She expressed appreciation to the Agomeda and Aseseso communities for the hospitality extended to the volunteers during the training.
“We have used Agomeda and Aseseso communities for pre-service training before, however, some of the families you’ve stayed with, have never hosted a trainee yet, you’ll agree with me that they were excellent in supporting you through this process. We say a very big thank you to the chiefs, stakeholders and families”
She added “I also want to commend and appreciate the churches that made their venues available for our sessions”
Madam Ayisila, urged the volunteers to empower and to create lasting change for a better future.
Country Director, Tamu Daniel, said as the first country in the world to receive Peace Corps Volunteers in August 1961, Ghana’s relations with the Peace Corps has been timeless.
“This is the only place across the globe that has had continuous service for all 65 years. This country has offered the safety, the security, the friendship, and the comradery”
The Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Ghana, Rolf Olson, acknowledged the Peace Corps programme as one that is deeply rooted in the belief that effective collaboration can engender a brighter future for all.
“For 65 years, the Peace Corps has helped bring something of a brighter future from our own part of the world to Ghana. The impact of Peace Corps volunteers in Ghana is unmistakable. Across generations Ghanaians share heartfelt memories of volunteers who shaped their futures”
He charged the volunteers to drive change through creativity, compassion and innovation.
“You will bring your expertise, creativity, and compassion to drive innovation and strengthen the American Ghana Command Partnership. In over two years of service, you will also experience Ghana’s warmth, its brilliance, and its unwavering spirit as Peace Corps volunteers”
Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Grace Ayensu commended the volunteers for their selflessness in stepping outside their comfort zones, noting that they are leaving a legacy of support in key sectors.
Ghana was the first country in the world to receive Peace Corps Volunteers in August 1961. Over the past 65 years, the country has hosted more than five thousand Peace Corps Volunteers. The arrival of this new group signals ongoing cooperation and a shared vision for sustainable development and cross-cultural exchange. Volunteers work with Ghanaian communities in education, health, environment, small enterprise development, and agriculture.
