Mercy Ships Returns to Provide Free Surgeries in Ghana After Nearly Two Decades

Tema: Mercy Ships' 10-month field service in Ghana has commenced on board the Global Mercy, marking the international charity's return to the country after 19 years. The surgeries represent a new chapter in the longstanding relationship between Mercy Ships and the Government of Ghana, which began in 1991. The Global Mercy, the world's largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship, will remain in the Port of Tema until June 2027, providing specialized surgical care to patients while supporting the education and mentoring of Ghanaian healthcare professionals. According to African Press Organization, Ghana has taken significant steps to strengthen surgical care through its National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP). However, barriers like cost, geographic access, and the limited availability of specialist services continue to prevent some patients from receiving timely surgical care. Data from the Ghana Health Service indicates a shortage of medical specialists, with only about 200 physician anes thesiologists and orthopedic surgeons and close to 500 trained dental professionals currently practicing nationwide. During the field service, Mercy Ships expects to provide between 1,900 and 2,600 surgeries and between 1,600 and 2,000 dental treatments at no cost to patients. The first patient to undergo surgery was Samuel, a 59-year-old mechanical fitter from Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, who lost his vision in 2025 due to cataracts. Samuel, a widower raising five children, expressed the difficulties of losing his eyesight and his hope for recovery through the surgery. In addition, five-year-old Joseph underwent surgery after living with knock knees for most of his life. His parents noticed the condition when he was 18 months old and delayed his school enrollment to prevent potential mockery. Joseph's mother expressed hope that the surgery would allow her son to attend school without issues. Beyond the immediate care provided on the ship, the field service aims to have a lasting impact on the local healt hcare system. An estimated 100 to 250 Ghanaian healthcare professionals are expected to participate in clinical mentoring, education, and professional development opportunities. Surgical specialties during this period will include pediatric orthopedics, maxillofacial surgery, ophthalmic surgery, reconstructive plastic surgery, and general surgery. Jonathan Ziehli, Mercy Ships Director of Diplomacy, emphasized the importance of the partnership with the Ministry of Health and national partners. He noted that the collaboration is focused not only on providing life-changing surgery for today's patients but also on investing in stronger surgical systems for future generations. To ensure sustainable impact beyond the ship's departure, Mercy Ships volunteers will work alongside Ghanaian doctors, nurses, and other specialists throughout the field service. The organization is also collaborating with national institutions to support postgraduate education and clinical placements on board the ship. These programs are designed to complement Ghana's national health priorities by supporting local efforts to strengthen the surgical workforce and expand access to safe surgical care. Since Mercy Ships first visited Ghana in 1991, the organization has worked with the Government of Ghana and national partners to provide 2,670 surgical procedures and more than 18,120 dental procedures, while training over 2,920 Ghanaian healthcare professionals.