Mercy Ships is expected to perform at least 2,400 surgeries in Ghana during its 10-month mission, with procedures covering orthopaedic, plastic, general, women’s health and ophthalmic care.
The Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh said the medical mission will also provide post-surgery support and rehabilitation for patients who receive treatment.
The Minister disclosed this during a visit by President John Mahama to the Global Mercy, the world’s largest civilian hospital ship.
He said the mission is expected to provide a wide range of specialised medical services to Ghanaians.
“Your Excellency, we are here to perform various types of surgeries, including plastic surgeries, orthopedic surgeries, general surgeries, women health, ophthalmic surgeries and many more,” the Minister said.
“We are targeting to do not less than 2,400.”
Mr. Akandoh said the mission goes beyond surgical treatment, with Mercy Ships also expected to support local healthcare professionals through training and knowledge-sharing.
He said the medical team would remain in Ghana for the next 10 months, allowing the country to benefit from the expertise and experience of the international team.
“The interesting aspect is that they are also here to share their experiences with us and training some of our health professionals and so they’ll be here for the next 10 months,” he said.
“So we will, as much as possible, derive a lot of benefit from them and again, I’m also reliably informed that they will be taking some emergencies as well and they will be providing post-surgery support, rehabilitation and what have you.”
The Minister said the Mercy Ships mission fits into the government’s priorities for the health sector.
He also recalled the efforts that preceded the arrival of the Global Mercy in Ghana.
He said Dame Anglog led a Mercy Ships delegation to pay a courtesy call on President Mahama on September 11, 2025, after which the President directed key government officials to support the mission.
“With Ghana and I remember on the 11th of September 2025, Dame Anglog led a delegation from Mercy Ship 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.
Mr. Akandoh said government agencies had since worked with Mercy Ships to facilitate the mission, including the signing of the host agreement and support for the recruitment of patients.
“Your Excellency, 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,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to President Mahama for visiting the ship and supporting the mission.
“Today, we are so privileged to have you yourself visit the ship. Most grateful for the opportunity,” the Minister said.
