By: Celestine Avi and Seth Eyiah
The Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, says Ghana will leverage Mercy Ships’ 10-month mission to strengthen specialist healthcare through training, knowledge-sharing and skills development for Ghanaian health professionals.
He said the partnership, backed by a signed host agreement and collaboration among the Ministries of Health, Finance and Foreign Affairs, will enable Ghana to derive long-term benefits from the presence of the Global Mercy.
Speaking during President John Dramani Mahama’s inspection and tour of the hospital ship at the Tema Harbour, Mr. Akandoh said government had worked with Mercy Ships since its delegation, led by Dame Anne Gloag, met the President in September 2025.
Following the President’s directive, he said the relevant ministries facilitated the mission, including the signing of the host agreement, assistance with credentials and the recruitment of patients.
The Minister said the Global Mercy will provide a range of specialist procedures, including plastic, orthopaedic, general, women’s health and ophthalmic surgeries, while targeting at least 2,400 surgeries during its stay.
He said the mission would also provide opportunities for Ghanaian health professionals to train and work alongside the international medical team, helping to build specialist capacity within Ghana’s health system.
Mr. Akandoh added that Mercy Ships would provide post-surgery support and rehabilitation and was also expected to attend to some emergency cases.
He said the partnership fits into government’s priorities for the health sector and provides an opportunity for Ghana to strengthen specialist healthcare beyond the duration of the Global Mercy’s stay.
