Ghana and international humanitarian organisation Mercy Ships have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership, announcing that the Global Mercy, the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, will return to Ghana in August 2026.

While docked at the Port of Tema, the Global Mercy will provide free, specialised surgeries and comprehensive training for local healthcare professionals, further supporting Ghana’s national efforts to expand safe and accessible surgical care.

This upcoming field service will mark Mercy Ships’ fifth visit to Ghana since 1991, continuing a collaboration that has already delivered more than 2,600 surgeries, 16,700 dental procedures, and training for 139 healthcare professionals.

The renewed commitment follows a high-level meeting between H.E. President John Dramani Mahama and members of the Mercy Ships Board.

Speaking at a media briefing, Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, emphasised the President’s belief that health is “not a luxury, but a foundation of freedom,” adding, "It is the currency of our dignity, the greatest public good."

Free Surgical Services for Ghanaians Nationwide

During the field service, patients from across the country will have access to a wide range of free surgeries, including:

* Tumour removal

* Cleft lip and palate repair

* Pediatric orthopaedic surgery

* Cataract surgery

* Reconstructive plastic surgery

* Obstetric fistula repair

* General and pediatric surgeries

A national registration process will be launched in the lead-up to the ship's arrival to identify eligible patients and schedule procedures.

Strengthening Ghana’s Surgical Capacity

In a statement, Dame Ann Gloag, a philanthropist, nurse, and Mercy Ships board member, expressed gratitude for the continued partnership with Ghana:

“Mercy Ships is honoured to return to a nation with which we share a rich history of collaboration.

Together with the Ministry of Health and our partners, we look forward to delivering life-changing surgeries and investing in surgical training that will strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system for years to come.”

Beyond direct medical services, Mercy Ships has played a critical role in supporting the development and implementation of Ghana’s National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP).

The organization will continue to work with the government and national stakeholders to enhance on-ship and off-ship programs, particularly in the areas of education, training, and health systems strengthening.

With the Global Mercy™ based in Ghana during the 2026 field service, these initiatives aim to make long-term improvements in the country’s surgical and healthcare capacity.

About Mercy Ships

Mercy Ships is a global faith-based nonprofit organisation that operates hospital ships to deliver free surgeries and healthcare services in countries with limited access to safe medical care.

Focused entirely on partnering with African nations, Mercy Ships also supports training for local healthcare professionals and invests in medical infrastructure to ensure sustainable impact.

Each year, more than 2,500 volunteers from over 60 countries—including surgeons, dentists, nurses, health educators, cooks, and engineers—serve aboard the Africa Mercy and Global Mercy, the world’s two largest NGO hospital ships.

Founded in 1978, Mercy Ships has offices in 16 countries and operates an Africa Service Centre in Dakar, Senegal.