Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has disclosed that the Mercy Ships medical mission currently in Ghana is targeting to perform at least 2,400 surgeries during its 10-month stay in the country.
According to the Minister, the mission will provide a range of specialist procedures, including plastic, orthopaedic, general, women’s health and ophthalmic surgeries.
Mr Akandoh made the disclosure during President John Dramani Mahama’s visit and inspection of the Global Mercy, the hospital ship operated by Mercy Ships.
He said Mercy Ships had maintained a longstanding relationship with Ghana, adding that preparations for the current mission began following a meeting between President Mahama and a delegation from the organisation in September 2025.
“I remember on the 11th of September 2025, Anne Cloag led the delegation from Mercy Ships to pay a courtesy call on you, which I was present, and you subsequently directed that myself, the Minister responsible for finance, and the Minister responsible for foreign affairs cooperate and facilitate this mission,” he said.
The Health Minister said the relevant government institutions had since worked to facilitate the arrival and operations of the vessel.
“Since then we have been in touch. We have been facilitating. The host agreement has been signed, credentials have been assisted, and we have also assisted in the recruitment of patients,” Mr Akandoh stated.
He explained that the medical mission would offer specialist care across several areas of healthcare.
“We are here to perform various types of surgeries, including plastic surgeries, orthopedic surgeries, general surgeries, women’s health, ophthalmic surgeries, and many more,” he said.
Training Ghanaian health professionals
Beyond the surgeries, Mr Akandoh said the mission would provide an opportunity for Ghanaian health professionals to gain additional knowledge and experience by working alongside the Mercy Ships medical team.
“We are also here to share the experiences with us and train some of our health professionals,” he said.
He noted that the Global Mercy would remain in Ghana for the next 10 months, giving the country significant time to benefit from the expertise and resources of the medical team.
“They will be here for the next 10 months, so, we will, as much as possible, derive a lot of benefit from them,” the Minister said.
Mr Akandoh further disclosed that the mission would not be limited to planned surgeries, indicating that Mercy Ships would also provide support for emergency cases and post-operative care.
“I am also reliably informed that they will be taking some emergencies as well, and also be providing post-surgery support, rehabilitation, and what have you,” he said.
The Health Minister said the Mercy Ships mission was consistent with the government’s priorities for the health sector.
“It fits squarely in your priorities as far as the health sector is concerned,” he told President Mahama.
Mr Akandoh expressed appreciation to President Mahama for visiting the hospital ship and witnessing the work being undertaken by Mercy Ships.
“Today, we are so privileged to have you yourself visit the ship. Most grateful for the opportunity,” he said.
He subsequently invited President Mahama to address the gathering and speak about the significance of the mission to Ghana.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
