Story
COMPASS-Ghana is dedicated to enhancing the lives of children, adolescents and adults facing life-limiting illnesses. We have established our first Clinical Centre “Hub” within the Ashanti community, a place where compassion and quality care are urgently needed.
Our mission to enable access to end of life and palliative care for all across Ghana by 2030. We plan to open a new Hub every 18 months or sooner if funding permits.
It is an ambitious project, aligned to the Ghana Governments programme for Universal Health Care by 2030. We know our plans our ambitious and demand imagination, a pioneering spirit and the passion and support of the Ghanaian people. But together we can.
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care aims to provide the best possible quality of life at the end of life for patients with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses. Putting the person before their disease, palliative care addresses what is known as ‘total pain’, which includes not only physical pain, but also other symptoms and conditions, which might be psychological, social or spiritual.
It is evidence based, and improves not only patients’ experience of their care, but also the experiences of their families and loved ones at the most difficult of times.
In addition, palliative care contributes towards the cost-effective functioning of the health and social care system, enabling greater patient choice where it is available. Such support is needed in all places where people are cared for, whether that be at home, within their community, the hospital or a safe place.
Update as of November 2024
Thank you for all your donations so far. Across all our platforms – events, trusts, grants, donations we have raised over £40,000. Our total target by April 2025 is £150,000.
We could not do what we are doing without you! Every donation brings us closer to achieving our ambitious goals.
Here are some more details:
Training:
In partnership with Hospice Africa Uganda, we have trained 35 Health professionals across a range of disciplines
Advocacy:
Advocacy, social media and the engagement of Chiefs, Queen Mothers, Traditional Leaders and District Officials in place with active positive engagement
Collaboration:
We have brought together four key agencies, working together for the very first time
Innovation:
We have established a clinical working group to review best practice and ideas so that our plans are relevant, pioneering and effective
The Palliative Team:
The Asamang SDA Hospital Palliative Care Team is up and running
Data:
Real time patient data is being produced enabling effective demographic analysis for the first time.
Training:
The Team is now delivering its own inhouse training build capacity, resources and resilience
Patient Care:
Patients and their families are receiving palliative care in the hospital and in the community
Governance:
5 new Trustees join the Charity
Research:
COMPASS-Ghana’s CEO presents to a European Audience, securing research grants that will enable individuals’ scrutiny of our work and approach
Best Practice:
Our Chief Nursing Officer has her abstract approved for presenting at the HOSPICE UK Conference. Further abstract submitted to the European Association of Palliative care conference in Finland 2025
Strategic Partnership:
Ghana Palliative Care Association launches its National Strategy workshop, and we have secured funds to help us support them.
COMPASS-Ghana is championing a comprehensive approach to palliative care at the Asamang SDA Hospital in Ghana's Ashanti region, where such expertise is currently lacking. With a strong desire from the hospital's management and lead clinicians to embrace palliative care, we've developed a robust action plan to bring this vision to life.
Our recent stay in Ghana underscored the importance of culturally sensitive palliative care education, tailored to the unique spiritual, cultural, and resource context of Ghana. To address this, we're excited to partner with Hospice Africa Uganda (HAU), a pioneer in palliative care training across Africa, for an in-country training program.
Our First Fundraiser - A Successful First Step: Thank You for Supporting Our Hike Around Lake Bosomtwe!
The Journey was tough but rewarding: The hike was far from easy – it was a true test of endurance in the hot Ghanaian climate. But, guess what? We made a new friend along the way – Frank, a local fisherman, who joined us with his youthful energy and trusty machete. He walked the entire 20 miles with us, proving to be an invaluable companion.
🏆 Breaking Records: Here's a fun fact – we've been informed that Katie and John are officially the oldest individuals to have completed this hike! It's not just a hike; it was a real challenge, and they did it!
💙 Your Support Made a Difference: A heartfelt thank you for your generous sponsorship. Your contributions have not only encouraged us but have laid the foundation for our continued efforts.
The Ashanti Region
The Immediate Need
In Asamang, with a population of 125,000 it is crucial that we prioritise palliative and end-of-life care. Sadly, many in this community do not receive the comfort and support they deserve due to stigma, tradition, poverty, and lack of access to care.
Our aim is to change this narrative and ensure every patient receives the comprehensive and compassionate care they need.
The Foundation of Compassion
Our project focuses on creating the foundations of this capability, and your support is crucial. We want to enable patients and healthcare services in hard-to-reach and resource-poor communities to access palliative and end-of-life care.
Key Improvements in Palliative Care
Enhanced Quality Care: Your support empowers healthcare providers to deliver a higher standard of palliative care, enhancing the lives of patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
Improved Access and Satisfaction: We aim to increase patient and family satisfaction with palliative care services from 0 to approximately 300 patients by July 2025.
This transformation will be a testament to your contribution and make a significant impact.
Community Engagement: By engaging with local experts and healthcare staff, we ensure that palliative care aligns with the community's needs. This community-centred approach ensures that your generosity endures.
The Path Forward
Our journey is just beginning, and your support is invaluable. Here's how your contribution will make a lasting impact:
Capacity Building: We're equipping local professionals with the knowledge and expertise to deliver palliative care. Your support ensures this capacity continues to benefit the community over the coming years.
Infrastructure Enhancement: Your generosity is helping to establish vital infrastructure improvements, like outpatient clinics and an inpatient unit. These facilities will continuously serve patients.
Community Engagement: The local community is becoming more aware of the importance of palliative care, and your support will foster advocacy and local initiatives.
Collaborations: Partnerships with reputable institutions will ensure that best practices in palliative care are maintained, shared, and expanded.
Monitoring and Evaluation: We are implementing mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation, ensuring that your contribution focuses on those most in need.
Our Journey to Impact
Our journey is one of compassion and care, of bringing light to those who need it the most. By supporting this campaign, you become an integral part of this journey. Together, we'll create a lasting impact, ensuring that palliative care is accessible, compassionate, and comprehensive. Join us in our mission to raise £150,000 for the Ashanti Region, and let's make a difference that echoes through the lives of many people in need.
Your Support
We encourage you to become a part of this transformative initiative. Your involvement can make a substantial difference in the lives of those facing life-limiting illnesses in the Ashanti community.
There are several ways to support our cause. You can make a direct donation to the Ashanti Palliative Care Project, and even a small contribution will go a long way in providing critical care and support.
If you're looking to take a more active role you can consider participating in your own fundraising activities for COMPASS-Ghana. Your dedication can further strengthen our impact and reach. Additionally, by spreading the word about our campaign through your networks and social media, you help raise awareness about this essential cause. Together, we can build a brighter future for those in need. Join us in making a meaningful change, one step at a time.
We are also for looking for Ghanaian businesses to support this campaign. We need you to be part of the solution.
Please email john.davies@compass-gh.org
if you can help in any way.
Thank you for your interest in our work! If you would like to donate please now go to the top of the page.