Global Mercy begins 10-month field service in Ghana to address surgical backlogs
During the field service, Mercy Ships expects to perform between 1,900 and 2,600 surgeries and provide between 1,600 and 2,000 dental treatments free of charge.
GHANA—Mercy Ships has begun its 10-month field service in Ghana, performing its first surgeries aboard the Global Mercy™ and marking the organisation’s return to the country after 19 years.
The programme renews a partnership between Mercy Ships and the Government of Ghana that dates back to 1991.
The Global Mercy, the world’s largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship, will remain at the Port of Tema until June 2027, providing specialised surgical care while supporting the training and mentorship of Ghanaian healthcare professionals.
Ghana has strengthened surgical services through its National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anaesthesia Plan.
However, high costs, geographical barriers and limited access to specialist services continue to delay treatment for some patients.
According to the Ghana Health Service, the country has about 200 physician-anesthesiologists and orthopaedic surgeons nationwide, alongside nearly 500 trained dental professionals.
The shortage limits access to specialised care, particularly for patients who cannot afford treatment or live far from major healthcare facilities.
During the field service, Mercy Ships expects to perform between 1,900 and 2,600 surgeries and provide between 1,600 and 2,000 dental treatments free of charge.
Patients receive life-changing surgery
Samuel, a 59-year-old mechanical fitter from Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, was the first patient to undergo surgery.
He lost his vision to cataracts in 2025. As a widower raising five children, his deteriorating eyesight affected his ability to work and care for his family.
“Now I’m unable to do anything, not even work, see at night or see properly during the day, and that’s my problem,” Samuel said before his operation.
Five-year-old Joseph was also among the first patients treated. He had lived with knock knees since his parents noticed the condition when he was 18 months old.
His father had considered delaying his enrolment in school because of concerns that other children might mock him.
“The surgery is good for him,” his mother said. “Being here gives him hope that his legs will be fixed and that he can finally go to school.”
Training Ghana’s surgical workforce
The field service will also give Ghanaian healthcare professionals opportunities to gain practical experience.
Mercy Ships expects between 100 and 250 professionals to participate in clinical mentoring, education, and professional development activities.
The surgical programme will cover paediatric orthopaedics, maxillofacial surgery, ophthalmic surgery, reconstructive plastic surgery and general surgery.
“Returning to Ghana is the continuation of a trusted partnership,” said Jonathan Ziehli, Mercy Ships Director of Diplomacy.
“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.”
Mercy Ships volunteers will work alongside Ghanaian doctors, nurses and other specialists throughout the programme.
The organization is also collaborating with the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives on postgraduate education and clinical placements aboard the ship.
Since its first visit to Ghana in 1991, Mercy Ships has supported 2,670 surgical procedures and more than 18,120 dental procedures while training over 2,920 Ghanaian healthcare professionals.
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