TEMA, Ghana, 1st October: President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Ministry of Health to work closely with Mercy Ships to ensure that patients treated aboard the Global Mercy receive appropriate follow-up care after the vessel leaves Ghana.
He also called for Ghanaian health professionals to take full advantage of the training and mentorship opportunities provided through the hospital ship’s current mission.
Speaking during an inspection and tour of the Global Mercy at Tema, President Mahama said the value of the Mercy Ships partnership must go beyond the surgeries performed during the vessel’s stay in Ghana.
“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 therefore tasked the Ministry of Health to strengthen collaboration with Mercy Ships on patient referrals, follow-up treatment and professional training.
“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,” the President said.
President Mahama noted that Mercy Ships had also supported Ghana’s national plan for surgical, obstetric and anaesthesia care.
He said Ghana must use the current deployment to strengthen the capacity of local hospitals so that the impact of the partnership remains long after the ship departs.
The President said the mission fits into government’s broader efforts to improve access to healthcare.
He cited the expansion of free primary healthcare, efforts to strengthen the National Health Insurance Programme and investments in hospitals and health workers.
He also pointed to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, which he said was aimed at reducing the burden of serious non-communicable diseases on families.
President Mahama said the specialist care provided by Mercy Ships is an important contribution to these broader national health efforts.
He further 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.
“Our support for this mission must be practical and accountable,” he said.
The Global Mercy arrived in Ghana in August 2026 for a multi-month field service providing free specialised surgeries, including tumour removals, cleft lip and palate repairs, cataract surgeries, orthopaedic procedures and reconstructive plastic surgery.
The mission also provides opportunities for Ghanaian healthcare professionals to work alongside international specialists and gain experience in specialised surgical care.
President Mahama urged Ghanaian health professionals involved in the mission to use the knowledge and experience gained to improve patient care throughout their careers.
“I hope this partnership gives you knowledge and experience that will serve patients throughout your careers,” he said.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️) Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭