TEMA, Ghana, 1st October: President John Dramani Mahama has assured Mercy Ships of the government’s commitment to resolving operational challenges affecting the Global Mercy’s mission in Ghana.
The President said he had been briefed by Dame Anne on two challenges confronting the mission and pledged to ensure that they were addressed promptly.
“Our support for this mission must be practical and accountable and already Dame Anne has apprised me of two challenges they are facing and I can assure you that when I leave this ship those problems will be sorted out,” President Mahama said.
He made the remarks during an inspection and tour of the Global Mercy, which is currently providing free specialised surgical care to patients in Ghana.
President Mahama said getting a vessel of the size and complexity of the Global Mercy into Ghana has involved significant preparations and the fulfilment of several conditions.
He commended Dame Anne for her determination in overcoming the obstacles encountered in bringing the ship to Ghana.
“There were times she hit a brick wall but I can tell you that Dame Anne never gives up. She will push that wall down,” he said.
The President also acknowledged the work of Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Finance Minister and the wider government team involved in facilitating the vessel’s arrival.
He directed the relevant 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.
President Mahama further thanked the captain and crew of the Global Mercy, medical personnel, volunteers, donors and Ghanaian partners for their contribution to the mission.
He specifically acknowledged Ghanaian volunteers who had offered their time and expertise to support patients.
“To the crew I say thank you, the captain and crew and especially to the Ghanaian volunteers. I thank you for offering your time and skill to people you may never meet again,” he said.
The President also expressed his personal surprise at the stability and facilities aboard the hospital ship after touring the vessel.
“I have never sailed in a ship and so when I was coming, I thought that I mean how is this going to be? I thought we would be walking like sailors in a ship, but I am surprised it is so stable. It is just like any hospital that I have been to,” he said.
The Global Mercy began its multi-month field service in Ghana following its arrival in August 2026.
The mission provides free specialised surgeries, including procedures for cataracts, cleft lips and palates, tumours and childhood orthopaedic conditions, while also offering training and mentorship to Ghanaian healthcare professionals.
President Mahama formally welcomed Mercy Ships back to Ghana and said government would continue to support the mission.
“Ghana welcomes Mercy Ships. Let us make this visit count in the lives of our patients today and in the strength of our health systems for years to come,” he said.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️) Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭
