Dame Anne Clog, a senior representative of Mercy Ships, has commended President John Dramani Mahama for his strong support towards bringing the organisation’s medical mission to Ghana.
Speaking during President Mahama’s visit to the Global Mercy, the Mercy Ships hospital vessel, Dame Anne said the President had demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring that the mission arrived in Ghana within a short timeframe.
She said she first met President Mahama in London about 18 months ago, where discussions began around bringing the Mercy Ships mission to Ghana.
“Since I first met His Excellency in London 18 months ago, he has given his wholehearted support to bringing Mercy Ships’ mission to Ghana,” she said.
According to Dame Anne, she immediately recognised President Mahama’s passion for the people of Ghana and appreciated his understanding of the limited timeframe available to prepare for the mission.
“I immediately recognised him as a man with passion for your people, and you understood brilliantly that we had a very short timescale to pull this together and to bring the ship to your country,” she said.
‘The phone calls will continue’
Dame Anne also jokingly apologised to Ghana’s Health Minister and other officials for the numerous calls and requests for assistance during preparations for the mission.
“So I feel I must apologise for the many phone calls to your Minister of Health, and to others who have been so patient with my endless requests for help,” she said.
“The bad news is it will continue.”
She said the core objective of Mercy Ships was to provide free specialist surgeries to people who might otherwise be unable to access such treatment, particularly those living in rural communities.
“Serving the people of Ghana, and particularly those in the rural areas, is really what our mission is about, providing free surgeries to those who otherwise would not have that opportunity or privilege,” Dame Anne said.
Ghanaian volunteers recognised
Dame Anne expressed appreciation to the numerous volunteers whose contributions have helped make the Mercy Ships mission possible.
“We all want to thank today particularly the many volunteers in this room, and many not in the room, for the fantastic job you do to make this happen,” she said.
She paid particular tribute to Ghanaian volunteers who have been involved with Mercy Ships from the organisation’s early missions in the country.
“Among them are many Ghanaian volunteers who have also been part of this Mercy Ship mission and story from the very beginning, and are still represented here. Some of the longest-serving volunteers on this vessel are Ghanaian. So thank you,” she said.
2,200 more surgeries and 3,500 dental treatments
Dame Anne disclosed that about 200 patients had already undergone surgery aboard the vessel at the time of President Mahama’s visit.
She said the mission still had a substantial number of patients to attend to during its stay in Ghana.
“You had an opportunity today, although short, to visit some of the 200 patients who have already received their surgery,” she told the President.
“We only have 2,200 more to do, plus 3,500 dental treatments, so you know it’s exciting times ahead for us all.”
She expressed optimism about the months ahead and the impact the mission would have on Ghanaian patients.
Dame Anne subsequently invited the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to address the gathering.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
