Andy's adventures in Ghana as a Peace Corps Volunteer
A Ghana Speed Record!
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August 9, 2026
I promised you regular updates during the construction of our new incinerator, but I was unable to keep that promise; everything happened much faster than I expected! Here is an almost day-by-day presentation of progress that your generous support produced.
Day 1 (July 6): Digging foundations.Day 2: Laying foundation.Setting up the framework for the chimney.Day 3: Concrete foundation for the storage shed.Metal framework for the incinerator and chimney.Day 4: The chimney begins to rise and ceramic brickwork is laid inside the metal shell. On my right is the builder and on my left is my “contact person” (a doctor at the hospital) who helps me navigate the hospital bureacracy.Days 5, 6, & 7: The chimney is completed; the crew was undaunted by frequent, sometimes heavy, rain.The frame of the ramp takes shape and the brickwork of the incinerator is nearly completed.The storage shed takes shape.Days 8 & 9: The incinerator begins to look like an incinerator.The gap in the upper right corner is the pathway to the secondary chamber where organic vapors escaping the primary chamber will be destroyed by an additional burner.The storage shed gets a smooth coating of cement on the outside.Day 10: The frame of the roof is in place, the ramp up to the incinerator door gets finishing touches, and the gate for the fence gets careful attention.Days 11 & 12: Roofs are in place, the fence is complete.Gas burners and access doors for ash removal are installed.The blower fan awaits an electrical connection.Day 13 (July 18): Training in progress.
Next Steps
I’ve come to realize that a few hours of training is not enough. There’s more work to be done to make sure that everyone understands how to operate the incinerator properly. Ideally there would be an engineer on site (or someone with a strong techical background) to ensure that the next few months of operation go smoothly and that the chemical emissions from the smokestack meet international standards. I’m afraid I can only hope for the best.
As with any project, there’s also paperwork to be completed. I’ll be scrambling to finish that and a dozen or more other tasks before I head to Accra 3 weeks from today(!) and then board a flight home on September 3!
I am very happy to realize that I will be seeing you soon!
Not A Typical Day 
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