President John Dramani Mahama has directed relevant government agencies to work closely with Mercy Ships to ensure the smooth delivery of free specialist surgical services to Ghanaians, during a visit to the organisation’s vessel currently docked in the country.
Addressing medical teams and patients aboard the ship, President Mahama said patients should not have to abandon hope simply because treatment is too far away or beyond their family’s financial means, describing the mission as an opportunity for many Ghanaians to access life-changing surgeries they might otherwise be unable to afford.
President Mahama extended appreciation to Mercy Ships’ donors, medical team, crew, volunteers and Ghanaian partners who have made the mission possible. He specifically thanked Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams and other friends of Mercy Ships for their sustained efforts in maintaining the partnership between the organisation and Ghana.
“A patient who needs surgery should not have to give up hope because the treatment is too far away or beyond the family’s means.”
President John Dramani Mahama
A Legacy of Service Since 1991
President Mahama noted that Mercy Ships has served Ghana across four previous visits dating back to 1991, with past missions delivering more than 2,600 surgeries and 16,700 dental procedures, while also supporting the development of 139 Ghanaian health professionals through training and collaboration. He said this history of service was one the country remembers with gratitude.
He explained that the current deployment offers an opportunity to reach patients who have long awaited specialist care, including planned operations for cataracts, cleft lip and palate conditions, tumours, childhood orthopaedic conditions, and other treatable ailments.
Turning to the patients and families present, President Mahama offered personal encouragement, describing them as the reason behind the entire partnership.
“To the patients and families here today, you are the reason for this partnership. I wish each of you a safe treatment and a good recovery.”
President John Dramani Mahama
Looking Beyond the Ship’s Stay
President Mahama stressed that the value of the Mercy Ships visit must extend beyond the surgeries performed during the vessel’s time in port.
He noted that Ghanaian surgeons, anaesthesia professionals, nurses and other health workers would have opportunities to learn alongside the medical team aboard the Global Mercy, framing this as a chance for lasting professional development.
He directed the Ministry of Health to work closely with Mercy Ships on patient referrals, follow-up care and professional training, emphasising that patient care must continue safely even after the ship departs.
He further noted that Mercy Ships has supported work on Ghana’s national plan for surgical, obstetric and anaesthesia care, urging that the visit be used to strengthen the long-term capacity of the country’s hospitals.
Linking The Mission to Broader Health Reforms
President Mahama situated the Mercy Ships visit within the context of government’s broader healthcare agenda, citing ongoing efforts to expand free primary healthcare, strengthen the National Health Insurance Scheme, and invest in hospitals and health workers through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.
He added that government is also working to reduce the burden of serious non-communicable diseases on Ghanaian families, describing the specialist care offered by Mercy Ships as a valuable contribution to this wider national effort.
President Mahama directed responsible ministries and agencies to ensure that patient movement, medical supplies and other operational arrangements connected to the mission are handled promptly and in accordance with Ghanaian law. He stressed that government’s support for the mission must be practical and accountable.
He disclosed that Mercy Ships’ leadership had already briefed him on two specific challenges facing the mission and assured those present that these issues would be resolved before he left the vessel.
Appreciation for the Crew and Volunteers
President Mahama expressed thanks to the ship’s captain and crew, with appreciation for Ghanaian volunteers who have offered their time and skills to patients they may never meet again.
He also extended encouragement to the Ghanaian health professionals working alongside the Mercy Ships team, expressing hope that the partnership would provide them with knowledge and experience to benefit patients throughout their careers.
President Mahama closed his remarks by welcoming Mercy Ships to Ghana once again, urging all stakeholders to ensure that the visit makes a meaningful difference both in the lives of patients receiving care today and in strengthening the country’s health systems for years to come.
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