In 2001, GHEI’s founder and executive director Diana Rickard visited Ghana as a medical student to study the accessibility and quality of available healthcare services. During her visits, she worked hand-in-hand with local health professionals in both urban and rural health facilities, which is when she came to know the communities of the Bibiani-Anhwiawso-Bekwai (BAB) District in the Western Region of Ghana.

During her initial visits to communities in the BAB district, she met Clement Donkor, the then assemblyman of Humjibre, who as a lifelong resident of this community, provided an in-depth understanding to the context of rural livelihoods, the educational systems, and healthcare. It was this meeting that was the impetus for the Ghana Health and Education Initiative (GHEI).

Vision

to envision a future where children—free from illness and illiteracy—can realize their full potential, a future where healthy, educated young people will lead their communities out of poverty. GHEI empowers communities in the BAB District of Ghana to build that future through investment in children and youth.

Mission

To enable communities in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District of Ghana to improve their children’s health, learning success and opportunities by building local capacity and providing necessary resources and support.