Ghana has officially welcomed Mercy Ships for its fifth visit to the country and the maiden visit of its current state-of-the-art hospital vessel, reaffirming a partnership that has transformed thousands of lives and strengthened healthcare delivery across the nation.
The official welcome ceremony, held on 20 August 2026 at the Port of Tema, was chaired by the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and attended by government officials, health sector stakeholders, diplomatic representatives and the leadership of Mercy Ships.
Mercy Ships is an international humanitarian organisation that operates the world’s largest civilian hospital ships, delivering free life-changing surgeries, medical services and healthcare training in countries with limited access to specialised surgical care. Over the past three decades, its partnership with Ghana has resulted in more than 2,500 surgeries and the training of over 3,000 healthcare professionals, significantly contributing to the country’s healthcare capacity.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Ships, Dr. Michelle White, reflected on the organisation’s longstanding relationship with Ghana and its impact on surgical care and workforce development. She reaffirmed Mercy Ships’ commitment to supporting Ghana’s efforts to improve access to quality healthcare.
The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, reiterated Government’s commitment to the partnership, describing Mercy Ships as a key ally in advancing surgical care, strengthening healthcare systems and building the capacity of Ghana’s health workforce.
The National Ambulance Service (NAS) was proud to support the event by providing medical cover, ensuring prompt emergency medical response and the safety of all participants throughout the ceremony.
The event concluded with prayers for a successful mission and renewed commitment by all stakeholders to deepen collaboration towards improving healthcare outcomes for the people of Ghana.
