Mahama Visits Global Mercy Hospital Ship as Free Medical Mission Begins in Ghana

President John Dramani Mahama has welcomed the return of the Global Mercy hospital ship to Ghana, describing the vessel’s humanitarian mission as an important contribution to improving access to specialised healthcare.

President Mahama made the remarks during a visit to the Global Mercy, which is currently docked at the Tema Port as part of Mercy Ships’ latest medical mission in Ghana.

The hospital ship is expected to remain in Ghana for several months, providing free specialised surgical care while also training and mentoring Ghanaian healthcare professionals. Mercy Ships’ current schedule places the Ghana field service from September 2026 through June 2027.

During his visit, President Mahama said he was deeply moved by his interaction with Ghanaian patients receiving treatment aboard the vessel, including children undergoing orthopaedic procedures.

Many of the patients, he noted, had waited for years for access to specialised medical care.

Fifth Mercy Ships mission to Ghana

The current deployment marks Mercy Ships’ fifth mission to Ghana since 1991.

According to Mercy Ships and Ghana’s Presidency, previous missions have contributed more than 2,600 surgeries, 16,700 dental procedures and professional training for 139 Ghanaian healthcare workers.

The current field service is expected to provide specialised procedures including paediatric orthopaedic surgery, tumour removal, cleft lip and palate repair, cataract surgery, reconstructive plastic surgery, obstetric fistula repair and general and paediatric operations.

The mission will also focus on strengthening Ghana’s surgical capacity through training and mentorship for local medical professionals.

Mahama praises Mercy Ships

President Mahama welcomed the Mercy Ships team back to Ghana and praised the organisation for continuing its humanitarian work.

He described the Global Mercy as a symbol of humanitarian service at a time when countries and individuals can increasingly focus on their own interests.

The President also shared a lighter moment from his visit, saying it was his first time sailing on a ship and that he had expected to experience the movement associated with being at sea.

Instead, he said, the Global Mercy was so steady that it felt similar to a modern hospital on land.

Expanding healthcare access

While welcoming the support provided by Mercy Ships, President Mahama said his government remained committed to expanding Ghana’s own healthcare capacity.

He pointed to government initiatives aimed at increasing access to primary healthcare, strengthening the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), investing in hospitals and healthcare workers, and using the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to help reduce the financial burden of serious non-communicable diseases.

The Presidency previously announced the renewed partnership with Mercy Ships as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s surgical-care infrastructure. President Mahama said the partnership would complement the government’s broader healthcare agenda.

Global Mercy brings hope to patients

The Global Mercy is designed to operate as a floating hospital, allowing Mercy Ships to provide specialised medical care in countries where access to certain surgical procedures remains limited.

Mercy Ships says the vessel’s Ghana mission will combine direct patient care with training and healthcare-system support, with the goal of leaving strengthened local capacity after the ship departs.

The organisation’s latest newsletter described the Global Mercy’s arrival at Tema as the beginning of a new chapter of service in Ghana, with volunteers preparing to welcome patients from across the country.

President Mahama expressed gratitude to the medical crew, volunteers, donors, local partners and supporters behind the mission.

“To the crew of the Global Mercy, Ghana says thank you,” he said, while expressing confidence that the partnership would continue beyond the current mission.

The Global Mercy’s presence in Ghana is expected to provide specialised treatment to patients while supporting the development of Ghana’s healthcare professionals and surgical capacity.

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