Mercy Ships’ Global Mercy begins 10-month surgical mission in Ghana
Mercy Ships first arrived in Ghana in 1991 and has since worked with the government to provide more than 2,670 surgical procedures and over 18,120 dental procedures.
GHANA—The Global Mercy, the world’s largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship, has arrived at the Port of Tema to begin a 10-month field service in partnership with the Government of Ghana.
The arrival follows the vessel’s recent field service in Sierra Leone and scheduled annual maintenance.
During the mission, Mercy Ships will provide free specialised surgical care aboard the Global Mercy while working with Ghanaian health professionals to strengthen the country’s surgical capacity.
Welcoming Mercy Ships back to Ghana, President John Dramani Mahama said health is “the foundation of freedom” and the country’s “greatest public good.”
Although Ghana has one of West Africa’s stronger healthcare systems, millions of people still face barriers to timely, safe and affordable surgical care.
The country launched its National Surgical, Obstetric and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP) in 2024 to expand access to essential surgical services.
However, shortages and uneven distribution of specialists, together with capacity constraints at district hospitals, continue to limit access.
Free specialised surgery
Ghana’s Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, said the NSOAP supports the government’s wider health-sector goals by integrating surgical, obstetric and anaesthesia services into the country’s universal health coverage strategy.
The plan also aims to help reduce maternal and child mortality, improve trauma management and strengthen emergency and critical care services.
The current mission marks Mercy Ships’ fifth field service in Ghana.
In addition to free surgery, the programme will provide training, mentoring and professional development for local healthcare workers.
Patients from across Ghana can apply for specialised procedures, including cleft lip and palate repair, tumour removal, cataract surgery, reconstructive plastic surgery, obstetric fistula repair, paediatric orthopaedic procedures and general surgery.
“Returning to Ghana is the continuation of a trusted partnership,” said Michael Nkeze, Mercy Ships Country Director for Ghana.
“Together with the Ministry of Health and our national partners, we are investing not only in life-changing surgery for today’s patients, but also in stronger surgical systems that will benefit future generations.”
Longstanding partnership
Mercy Ships first arrived in Ghana in 1991 and has since worked with the government to provide more than 2,670 surgical procedures and over 18,120 dental procedures.
The organisation has also trained more than 2,920 healthcare professionals and reached nearly 15,000 direct medical beneficiaries.
Volunteers from more than 70 countries staff the Global Mercy, bringing together surgeons, nurses, anaesthetists, engineers, teachers, cooks and maritime professionals.
Ghanaian volunteers remain an important part of the organisation.
Among them is Hospital Chaplain Clementine, known as “Mama,” who first encountered Mercy Ships in the 1990s and joined the crew in 1997.
With Ghanaian and Togolese roots, Clementine said the international volunteers she met inspired her to dedicate her life to serving African communities.
“Nearly 30 years ago, Mercy Ships captured my heart,” she said.
“Today, returning to Ghana feels like coming home. It is a privilege to serve my own people and to welcome every patient with dignity, compassion and hope.”
Over the next 10 months, international volunteers and Ghanaian healthcare professionals will work together to provide surgical care and strengthen Ghana’s healthcare workforce and surgical systems.
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