President John Mahama has commended Mercy Ship for its contribution to healthcare delivery in Ghana, following his tour of the Global Mercy, the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, at the Tema Port.
President Mahama said he was deeply moved by his interactions with Ghanaians receiving life-changing medical treatment aboard the vessel, including children undergoing procedures for orthopaedic conditions after waiting for years for care.
He welcomed the Mercy Ships team back to Ghana for its fifth mission since 1991, describing the organisation as an important humanitarian initiative providing critical medical support to communities.
During its 10-month stay in Ghana, the Global Mercy will provide direct patient care while also training local health workers alongside its international medical team.
President Mahama expressed gratitude to the medical crew, volunteers, donors, local partners and other supporters of Mercy Ships for their continued commitment to Ghana.
Sharing a lighter moment from his visit, the President said he had expected to feel the movement associated with being on a ship because he had never sailed before.
He said he was pleasantly surprised by the stability of the vessel, which he likened to a modern hospital on land.
President Mahama also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare for Ghanaians.
He said government was pursuing measures including the expansion of free primary healthcare, strengthening of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), investment in hospitals and health workers, and the use of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to reduce the financial burden of serious Non-Communicable Diseases on families.
He assured the Mercy Ships team that Ghana appreciated its humanitarian contribution and said the organisation’s current mission would not be its last engagement with the country.
“To the crew of the Global Mercy, Ghana says thank you,” President Mahama said.
