ELS: MBN360 HEALTH
Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has officially welcomed the Global Mercy hospital ship to Ghana, disclosing that an estimated 1,950 to 2,600 life-changing surgeries will be provided free of charge over the coming ten months as part of the vessel’s field service in the country.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health and the Government of Ghana, Hon. Akandoh extended a warm welcome to the crew and volunteers who had travelled from around the world to Ghana and the Port of Tema, describing the moment as a great pleasure and honour for the country’s health sector.
Hon. Akandoh noted that this marks the first visit of the Global Mercy vessel specifically to Ghana, though Mercy Ships’ broader engagement with the country has continued since 1991.
He explained that the current visit follows the reaffirmation of partnership between the Government of Ghana and Mercy Ships in 2025, reflecting a shared commitment to expanding access to safe surgery while strengthening Ghana’s broader health system.
“This is the faith-filled service in Ghana since 1991 and the first of the Global Mercy to our country. It follows the reaffirmation of the partnership between the government of Ghana and Mercy Ships in 2025.”Hon. Akandoh
Drawing on his own background as a Member of Parliament representing a rural constituency, now serving his fourth term, Hon. Akandoh expressed particular appreciation for the fact that these surgical procedures would be conducted free of charge, especially for people from underserved communities across the country.
National Surgical Plan Provides Framework for Collaboration
Hon. Akandoh acknowledged that while Ghana has made significant progress in healthcare delivery, access to certain surgical services remains a persistent challenge.
He explained that the country has established a clear national vision for addressing these gaps through the National Surgical, Obstetric and Anesthesia Plan (NSOAP), launched to guide improvements in surgical care access, quality, and equity nationwide.
He stressed that the arrival of the Global Mercy should not be viewed as a standalone intervention, but rather as a collective effort supporting and aligning with Ghana’s own national healthcare priorities as outlined in the NSOAP framework, which provides a roadmap for strengthening the surgical workforce and improving service delivery across the country.
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Scale of Surgical And Dental Interventions Outlined
Providing specific figures on the scope of the field service, Hon. Akandoh disclosed that over the coming ten months, an estimated 1,950 to 2,600 life-changing surgeries and between 1,610 and 2,145 dental treatments would be provided free of charge to patients across Ghana.
“The field service will also invest in 100 to 250 health care professionals through education, mentorship and clinical training by working with Ghanaian institutions.”Hon. Akandoh
He explained that beyond direct patient care, the field service would also involve substantial investment in local capacity building, with Ghanaian healthcare professionals receiving training and mentorship through structured collaboration with the Global Mercy’s medical teams and partner institutions.
Hon. Akandoh specifically recognised the important role of the Hope Center in supporting patients both before and after surgery, ensuring continuity of care throughout each patient’s treatment journey.
He also acknowledged the contribution of the Ghanaian day crew who would work alongside the international crew aboard the vessel, describing their involvement as key to strengthening the connection between the Global Mercy and Ghana’s domestic health system.
Appreciation Extended To Government Agencies And Partners
In his closing remarks, Hon. Akandoh expressed the Ministry’s appreciation to the many Ghanaian ministries, departments, and agencies, alongside health institutions, regulatory bodies, professional organisations, security agencies, port authorities, development partners, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders who had worked diligently to prepare for the field service.
He credited their collective commitment and collaboration as the driving force that made the arrival of the Global Mercy possible, framing the vessel’s presence in Ghana as the product of extensive institutional coordination rather than a straightforward logistical arrival.
Hon. Akandoh’s remarks positioned the Global Mercy’s field service as a meaningful extension of Ghana’s ongoing efforts to expand access to surgical and dental care, particularly for underserved populations who might otherwise struggle to access such specialised treatment.
With thousands of free surgeries and dental treatments planned alongside significant investment in training local healthcare professionals, the visit is expected to leave a lasting impact on Ghana’s surgical workforce capacity long after the vessel eventually departs, reinforcing the broader goals set out under the country’s National Surgical, Obstetric and Anesthesia Plan.
