Retreat and the AGM

The only office of Ghana Health and Educative Initiative is at the GHEI compound in Humjibre, Western, Ghana. We take pride in the fact that all of our operations are based in and intended for the local community. However, GHEI is well supported by staff and volunteers worldwide. Once a year, our Executive Director, Diana Rickard, and a few others travel to join the Humjibre staff for the GHEI Annual Leadership Retreat. 

GHEI staff Knowledge Race at Lagoon Lodge

This year, Diana was accompanied by Lara Sisel, who spent a year in Humjibre contributing to GHEI’s founding in 2004, and GHEI’s two UCLA Medical Scholars, Sarah Gustafson and Emily Huang. Their presence offered a deeply-rooted perspective, helping to lead GHEI moving forward.

The retreat took place at the Lagoon Lodge in the scenic coastal town of Winneba. With its delicious food and lack of distractions, the lodge was a wonderful setting. The staff came together and discussed their efforts throughout the year: accounting for successes and facing challenges.

In the weeks beforehand, everyone had been extremely busy preparing presentations, discussions and new proposals. Just like with other GHEI programs, when retreat began, the hardest part was over and the event went smoothly.

After a surprisingly popular teambuilding exercise, we had a group presentation updating everyone on our general programs. Each staff member was given the opportunity to present, and some even took advantage of all the magnificent textures and gradients that PowerPoint has to offer. Everyone spoke comfortably and confidently, setting the tone for conversations that engaged the whole staff throughout the next few days.

The final afternoon brought some much appreciated free time to explore Winneba and enjoy the beach. The staff was exhausted, but refreshed, bonded, and motivated with a new sense of purpose. Decisions had been made, and GHEI was set with a guide for the next year.

Clement introducing our international guests at the AGM.
From left to right: Diana Rickard, Lara Sisel, Sarah Gustafson, Emily Huang

Afterwards, everyone traveled back to Humjibre for the GHEI Annual General Meeting. The Community Center was packed for the event with more than 500 people. The staff breezed through a well-practiced presentation of GHEI’s programs, then opened the floor for questions. Many people spoke up with inquiries and concerns. Even the Chief of Humjibre, Nana Kwadwo Twum II, spoke in support of GHEI: sharing his experience working with us and coming to understand the reasoning guiding GHEI’s priorities. 


Early the next morning it was time to say farewell to Diana, Sarah, Emily and Lara. With a renewed vision and strengthened plans we returned to our normal routine after a busy few weeks.

Share |