The Government of Ghana and international charity Mercy Ships have reaffirmed their partnership, announcing that the Global Mercy hospital ship will sail to Ghana in August 2026 to deliver free specialized surgeries and provide training for healthcare professionals.
The renewed partnership was confirmed following a meeting between President John Dramani Mahama and members of the Mercy Ships Board, according to a joint press release issued on Wednesday.
“Health is not a luxury, it is the foundation of freedom. It is the currency of our dignity. It is our greatest public good and so I am delighted to welcome Mercy Ships to Ghana next year,” President Mahama said.
The partnership marks Mercy Ships’ fifth visit to Ghana since 1991, building on a collaboration that has provided more than 2,600 surgeries, 16,700 dental procedures, and training for 139 healthcare professionals.
While docked at the Port of Tema, the ship will advance Ghana’s national goals for safe surgical care.
Patients from across Ghana will have access to specialized surgeries during the field service. Anticipated procedures include tumor removal, cleft lip and palate repair, pediatric orthopedic surgery, surgery for cataracts, reconstructive plastic surgery, obstetric fistula repair, and general and pediatric surgeries.
A nationwide registration process will open to identify and schedule patients.
Gary Brown, Board Chair and Interim CEO of Mercy Ships, said the organization is honored to return to Ghana, describing it as a nation with which they share a rich history of partnership.
“Together with the Ministry of Health and other partners, we look forward to delivering life-changing surgeries and investing in local surgical training that will strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system for years to come,” Brown stated.
Beyond surgical services, Mercy Ships has been actively engaged in supporting the development and implementation of Ghana’s National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anaesthesia Plan in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and national stakeholders.
The organization will continue working with the government to identify areas where its on-ship and off-ship programs, particularly in education, training, and health systems strengthening, can add the greatest value.
With the Global Mercy based in Ghana, these initiatives will strengthen the partnership and contribute to lasting improvements in surgical and healthcare capacity across the country.
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with limited access to safe medical care.
The international faith-based organization has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades, working with in-country partners to provide training to local healthcare professionals and support medical infrastructure construction.
Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve aboard the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy and the Global Mercy. Professionals including surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care.
Founded in 1978, Mercy Ships has offices in 16 countries and an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. The organization’s focus on sustainable healthcare development includes training local professionals and building medical infrastructure to create lasting impact beyond the duration of ship visits.