A local homeopath has returned from a West African mission of help with a new outlook on life in that part of the world and a commitment to continue giving to the people of the region.

Melanie Dupres spent just a few weeks in Ghana in October but now plans to pack her bags and return to the country for a six-month stint assisting the medical community with her homeopathic skills.

Before her trip to Ghana, Ms Dupres believed she would see many patients suffering from malaria, but it the end it she found the ailments patients sought relief from were more like those seen in Bermuda — with many suffering from the common cold, for example.

Ms Dupres went to work with the UK-registered charity, the Ghana Homeopathy Project.

Her first impression of the group's work there was: "This is perfect." She said the charity works in modest building with a small reception which can seat six patients.

"There is a receptionist and a small library. In the consulting room, there is a fairly well equipped pharmacy, examination table and a desk. It is all that a homoeopath needs!"

Aside from the main centre, she said: "There are also 'spot' clinics that I travelled to in various extremely poor areas of Accra.

"The clinics were set up in community centres generously loaned to us."

When asked whether patients were receptive to homoeopathy, she said: "The Ghanaian people were quite receptive. However, one challenge is that the project is relying on volunteers and, at the moment, there is no permanent homoeopath there to maintain the continuity of the clinics."

Demand for the services of a homeopath is high, however.

"The 'spot' clinics are popular," Ms Dupres said. "People seem reluctant to seek new things, but if you take it to them, they are more likely to try."

Going into the smaller communities was actually very exciting, she added: "People would be so glad that we were there.

"They would come out of curiosity and be relieved when we could help."

Aside from Accra, she also travelled to villages outside of the capital.

"The interest here was different, the villagers have little to no access to medical treatment and they are keen on the homoeopathy that is offered," Ms Dupres said. "Some travel for miles to attend the clinics."

Most people coming to the clinic are seeking relief from the aches of long, hard work.

"Pain was the most common complaint, back pain, headache and eye problems," Ms Dupres said.

"This is because of carrying such heavy loads on their heads — everything from shopping from the market to bags of water or ice cream for sale.

"I saw one man carrying a cage full of small chickens — that is sure to give a headache.

"There were other complaints too, much like here — colds, grief and infertility. There were some extreme cases but not many.

"One particular elderly lady had a 30-year-old hernia, but with no access to medical treatment she just lives with it.

"I had anticipated many cases of malaria, but there were very few."

Ms Dupres said the experience changed her fundamentally and led to her decision to return and continue to work with the people of Ghana.

"I fell in love with Ghana for so many reasons," she said.

"There was an awakening of my spirit while I was there, it is difficult to explain, but I know somehow that the project is what I need to focus on at this point in my career."