After 19 Years, Mercy Ships Returns to Ghana with Free Healthcare

After a 19-year absence, international medical charity Mercy Ships has resumed operations in Ghana, offering free specialised surgeries and dental care to thousands of patients in need.

According to the statement issued on Thursday, the organisation's 10-month field service aboard the Global Mercy — the world's largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship — has commenced at the Port of Tema. The vessel is expected to remain in Ghana until June 2027, offering between 1,900 and 2,600 free surgeries, alongside 1,600 to 2,000 dental treatments.

The return marks a new chapter in the longstanding partnership between Mercy Ships and the Government of Ghana, a relationship dating back to 1991. According to the organisation, the programme will prioritise patients who face barriers to surgical care, including high treatment costs, limited geographical access, and a scarcity of specialist services. Citing data from the Ghana Health Service, Mercy Ships noted that the country currently has only about 200 physician anaesthesiologists and orthopaedic surgeons nationwide, alongside close to 500 practising trained dental professionals.

The medical specialities to be offered during the field service include paediatric orthopaedics, maxillofacial surgery, ophthalmic surgery, reconstructive plastic surgery, and general surgery.

Among the first beneficiaries was 59-year-old Samuel, a mechanical fitter from Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, who lost his sight to cataracts in 2025. A widower raising five children alone, Samuel said the loss of his vision had made it nearly impossible for him to work or care for his family. "Now I am unable to do anything, not even work, see at night or see properly during the day," he said.

Another beneficiary, five-year-old Joseph, underwent surgery to correct knock knees — a condition his parents first noticed when he was just 18 months old. His mother said the surgery had given the family renewed hope that Joseph would be able to walk properly and attend school without fear of being teased by his peers.

Beyond surgical care, Mercy Ships said the programme would create opportunities for between 100 and 250 Ghanaian healthcare professionals to take part in clinical mentoring, education, and professional development. The organisation noted that its volunteers would work alongside Ghanaian doctors, nurses and other specialists throughout the field service to help strengthen the country's surgical workforce. It added that it is also collaborating with the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, as well as the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives, to support postgraduate education and clinical placements aboard the ship.

Mr Jonathan Ziehli, Mercy Ships' Director of Diplomacy, described the organisation's return to Ghana as a continuation of a trusted partnership aimed at strengthening the country's healthcare system. "Together with the Ministry of Health and our national partners, we are investing, not only in life-changing surgery for today's patients, but also in stronger surgical systems that will benefit future generations," he said.

Since its first visit to Ghana in 1991, Mercy Ships said it has provided 2,670 surgical procedures and more than 18,120 dental procedures, while training over 2,920 Ghanaian healthcare professionals. The organisation said the current intervention has been designed to complement Ghana's national health priorities and support ongoing efforts to expand access to safe and affordable surgical care.

The Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that provide free surgical and other healthcare services to people with limited access to safe medical care, while also training healthcare professionals and supporting health infrastructure across African countries.