TEMA, Ghana, 1st October: President John Dramani Mahama has called for the benefits of Mercy Ships’ current mission in Ghana to extend beyond the surgeries performed aboard the Global Mercy.
He said the deployment should also contribute to the long-term strengthening of Ghana’s healthcare system through professional training, knowledge transfer and improved specialist services.
Speaking during an inspection and tour of the hospital ship, President Mahama said Ghanaian health professionals would have an opportunity to work alongside international specialists during the mission.
“Ghanaian surgeons, anesthesia professionals, nurses and other health workers would have the opportunities to learn alongside the team aboard the Global Mercy,” he said.
He urged the Ministry of Health to work closely with Mercy Ships to maximise these opportunities.
President Mahama said the country should use the current mission to strengthen the services that Ghanaian hospitals can provide even after the Global Mercy has departed.
“Mercy Ships has also supported work on Ghana’s national plan for surgical obstetric and anesthesia care. We should use this visit to strengthen the services our hospitals can provide long after the ship has departed,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of continuity of care for patients who undergo surgery aboard the vessel.
“I therefore ask the Ministry of Health to work closely with Mercy Ships on patient referrals, follow-up care and professional training. A patient’s care must continue safely even after Global Mercy has left port,” he said.
The Global Mercy arrived in Ghana in August 2026 for a multi-month field service providing free specialised surgeries to patients.
Its services include cataract operations, cleft lip and palate repairs, tumour removals, childhood orthopaedic procedures and other specialised treatments.
The President said the mission complements government’s broader efforts to improve healthcare delivery across the country.
He said government is expanding free primary healthcare, strengthening the National Health Insurance Programme and investing in hospitals and healthcare workers.
President Mahama also urged Ghanaian health professionals participating in the programme to use the experience gained to improve patient care throughout their careers.
“To the Ghanaian health professionals working besides, I hope this partnership gives you knowledge and experience that will serve patients throughout your careers,” he said.
He expressed hope that the partnership between Ghana and Mercy Ships would continue to contribute to the development of the country’s healthcare system long after the current deployment ends.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️) Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭