Building our Future: Capacity Building for Today’s Health Managers

“I am in awe of the partnership we received from the Ghanaian people from the moment we landed at the airport on day one until we departed on our final day in Accra.”

Kisha Elder, Reciprocal Exchange Participant

2019 Fellowship Alumnus and 2024 Leadership Impact Award winner Joel Duah Afi collaborated with Kisha Elder Lawson and Michelle Lawson on a Reciprocal Exchange project that empowered healthcare workers and administrators in rural Ghana through a leadership and capacity building workshop and a National Menstrual Day event.  By focusing on leadership development and fostering a collaborative environment, participants were empowered to tackle local challenges head-on. 

Joel is the Medical Superintendent of Asunafo South District Hosipital in Kukuom, and co-founded the Abusua-Community Medical Center. His direct experience managing administrative and clinical aspects of community healthcare ensured workshop participants gained valuable insight and perspective.

Kisha is a healthcare professional in the emergency room at Temple University Hospital and is passionate about providing crisis support. Michelle is the Corporate Financial Services Manager for AmeriHealth Caritas and has extensive experience in the community health service sector. Kisha, Michelle, and Joel have previously collaborated twice, in 2021 and 2022, on building a community meditation garden, training nurses, and working with the District Minister of Agriculture and community farmers in Ghana. 

“The Reciprocal Exchange is one of the most impactful components of the Mandela [Washington] Fellowship. Collaborating with my American partners on this project has been significant highlight and a wonderful experience. The vigorous preparations of putting our project together, the community entry, cultural integration with our community has been a great experience. Our continuous collaboration has built our team as formidable family, with ongoing projects to mutually benefit our respective countries.”

Dr. Joel Afi, 2019 Fellowship Alumnus, Ghana

The workshop created a platform for participants to share experiences and engage with stakeholders. The project also established ongoing support through technology and communication channels, ensuring continuous access to training, resources, and grant opportunities to strengthen healthcare delivery in rural Ghana. Kisha, Michelle, and Joel plan to convene to facilitate a virtual conference and follow-up workshop within the next 6-12 months. 

Written by Nathan Trees.