Privacy Policy

keep it private

Effective Date: 10th June 2025

Who We Are

Akua Ofosuhene operates the website www.akuao.com and provides ayahuasca retreat services in Ghana. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information with care and transparency.

Contact Information:

• Email: connect@akuao.com

• Phone: +44 (0)756464 7905 / +233 (0)26744 6049

• Instagram: @akuaofosuhene

Information We Collect

Information You Provide Directly

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address

• Retreat Registration: Medical history, emergency contacts, dietary requirements, spiritual background

• Payment Information: Billing details (processed securely through third-party payment processors)

• Communication: Messages sent through our contact forms, emails, WhatsApp, or phone calls

• Intake Forms: Detailed health questionnaires, psychological assessments, medication information

  
  

Information Collected Automatically

• Website Analytics: IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, time spent on site

• Cookies: We use cookies to improve website functionality and user experience

• Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address

Sensitive Information

Given the nature of our ayahuasca retreat services, we may collect sensitive personal information including:

• Medical and mental health history

• Previous psychedelic experiences

• Spiritual and religious beliefs

• Personal trauma or healing goals

How We Use Your Information

Primary Uses

• Retreat Services: To assess eligibility, provide personalized care, and ensure participant safety

• Communication: To respond to inquiries, provide retreat updates, and maintain ongoing support

• Safety & Emergency: To contact emergency contacts if needed and provide appropriate medical care

• Legal Compliance: To meet regulatory requirements and protect our legal interests

Marketing (With Consent)

• Send newsletters and retreat announcements (you can opt-out anytime)

• Share educational content about ayahuasca and healing practices

• Invite you to future retreats or events

We Do NOT Use Your Information To:

• Sell or rent your personal information to third parties

• Share sensitive medical information without consent

• Send unsolicited marketing materials

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We May Share Information With:

Medical Professionals: Licensed healthcare providers involved in your retreat care (with your consent)

Emergency Services: In case of medical emergencies or safety concerns

Legal Authorities: When required by law, court order, or to protect safety

Service Providers: Trusted third parties who help operate our business:

• Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal, etc.)

• Email service providers (for newsletters and communications)

• Website hosting and analytics services

• Medical professionals and retreat support staff

With Your Consent: Any other sharing will only occur with your explicit permission

We Will NEVER Share:

• Detailed medical or psychological information without consent

• Personal information for commercial purposes

• Sensitive spiritual or healing journey details

International Data Transfers

Our retreats operate primarily in Ghana, and we may transfer your information internationally for:

• Retreat operations and logistics

• Communication with international participants

• Medical emergencies requiring cross-border coordination

We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for any international transfers.

Data Security

We implement robust security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption: Sensitive data is encrypted both in transit and at rest

• Access Controls: Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis

• Secure Storage: Physical and digital security measures for document storage

• Staff Training: All team members are trained on privacy and confidentiality

• Regular Updates: Security systems are regularly updated and monitored

Data Retention

We retain your information for different periods based on its purpose:

• Medical Information: 7 years after your last retreat (for safety and legal requirements)

• Contact Information: Until you request deletion or opt-out

• Payment Records: As required by financial regulations (typically 7 years)

• Website Analytics: 26 months (Google Analytics default)

Your Rights

You Have the Right To:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you

• Rectification: Correct any inaccurate or incomplete information

• Erasure: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)

• Restriction: Limit how we process your information

• Portability: Receive your data in a portable format

• Objection: Object to certain types of processing

• Withdraw Consent: Opt-out of marketing communications anytime

To Exercise Your Rights:

Contact us at connect@akuao.com with your request. We will respond within 30 days.

Cookies and Website Analytics

We Use:

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality

• Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics to understand website usage

• Functional Cookies: To remember your preferences

Your Cookie Choices:

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

Third-Party Services

Our website may contain links to third-party services:

• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook (governed by their privacy policies)

• Payment Processors: Stripe, PayPal (see their privacy policies)

• Booking Platforms: Any third-party booking tools we use

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external services.

Special Considerations for Ayahuasca Retreats

Confidentiality Commitment

We maintain strict confidentiality regarding:

• Your participation in our retreats

• Personal experiences during ceremonies

• Medical or psychological information shared

• Spiritual or healing journey details

Photography and Documentation

• We may take photos/videos during retreats for promotional purposes

• Explicit consent is always obtained before using any media containing participants

• You can request removal of any content featuring you at any time

Integration Support

We may retain contact information to provide ongoing integration support, but this is always optional and with your consent.

Children's Privacy

Our services are intended for adults (18+) only. We do not knowingly collect information from minors. If we discover we have collected information from someone under 18, we will delete it immediately.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be:

• Posted on our website with a new "Last Updated" date

• Emailed to active participants for significant changes

• Highlighted on our website for 30 days after updates

Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

For EU residents, our legal bases for processing include:

• Consent: For marketing communications and non-essential processing

• Contract: To provide retreat services you've booked

• Legal Obligation: To comply with medical and safety regulations

• Vital Interests: To protect health and safety during retreats

• Legitimate Interests: For business operations and improvement of services

Contact Us

For any privacy-related questions or requests:

Email: connect@akuao.com

Phone: +44 (0)756464 7905 (UK) / +233 (0)26744 6049 (Ghana)

Address: [Gratitude Gardens. Kokrobite. Accra Ghana]

Data Protection Concerns: If you have concerns about how we handle your data, you may also contact your local data protection authority.

This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with GDPR, CCPA, and other applicable privacy laws. For specific legal advice regarding your jurisdiction, please consult with a qualified attorney.