The Government of Ghana has renewed its partnership with international charity Mercy Ships, paving the way for the hospital vessel Global Mercy to dock in the Port of Tema in August 2026.
The ship will provide free specialized surgeries and advanced training for healthcare professionals, supporting Ghana’s national agenda to expand access to safe surgical care.
The upcoming field service will mark the fifth visit by Mercy Ships to Ghana since 1991. Over the years, the collaboration has resulted in more than 2,600 surgeries, 16,700 dental procedures, and the training of 139 healthcare professionals.
The renewed agreement was confirmed following a meeting between President John Dramani Mahama and members of the Mercy Ships Board.
“Health is not a luxury; it is the foundation of freedom. It is the currency of our dignity. It is our greatest public good, and so I am delighted to welcome Mercy Ships to Ghana next year,” President Mahama said.
Expanding Access to Specialized Surgeries
During its 2026 mission, the Global Mercy will deliver a wide range of free, life-changing procedures, including:
Tumor removal
Cleft lip and palate repair
Pediatric orthopedic surgery
Cataract surgery
Reconstructive plastic surgery
Obstetric fistula repair
General and pediatric surgeries
A nationwide patient registration process will be launched ahead of the ship’s arrival to identify and schedule beneficiaries.
Investing in Local Capacity
Beyond clinical services, Mercy Ships has been an active partner in strengthening Ghana’s health system.
The organization has supported the development and rollout of the National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP), working closely with the Ministry of Health and national stakeholders.
Gary Brown, Board Chair and Interim CEO of Mercy Ships, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to Ghana.
“Mercy Ships is honoured to return to Ghana, a nation with which we share a rich history of partnership.
Together with the Ministry of Health and other partners, we look forward to delivering life-changing surgeries and investing in local surgical training that will strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system for years to come,” he said.
The Global Mercy’s deployment will include both on-ship and off-ship programs, from surgical training to health systems strengthening initiatives, aimed at ensuring long-term improvements in healthcare delivery across the country.
About Mercy Ships
Mercy Ships operates the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy and the Global Mercy, staffed annually by more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries.
Founded in 1978, the faith-based organization delivers free surgical and medical services to underserved populations and provides training to local professionals to help build sustainable health systems.
Mercy Ships maintains offices in 16 countries and an Africa Service Centre in Dakar, Senegal.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
