President John Dramani Mahama on Friday toured the Mercy Ships hospital, the world’s largest civilian hospital ship docked at Tema Port, where he thanked them for specialised medical care that transforms patients and heals them for life.
During the visit, the president interacted with Ghanaians admitted for treatment and thanked the crew and Ghanaian volunteers on board during the ship’s 10-month stay.
“Mercy Ships has served Ghana on four previous visits since 1991. Those missions delivered more than 2,600 surgeries and 16,700 dental procedures and supported the development of 139 Ghanaian health professionals. We remember that past service with gratitude,” he noted.
The hospital is in Ghana for a 10-month field service in partnership with the Government of Ghana, where the world’s largest multi-purpose-built civilian hospital ships would offer free surgical care on board.
Voluntary support
President Mahama said Mercy Ships’ voluntary medical support has provided life-saving care to patients who waited years for specialist treatment, including operations for cataracts, cleft lips and palates, tumours, childhood orthopaedic conditions, and other treatable conditions.
Mahama instructed the Health Ministry and relevant agencies to provide the support needed to enhance the ship’s services. President Mahama also assured that the government will expand interventions to improve access to quality healthcare.
“Our government is expanding free primary health care, strengthening the National Health Insurance Programme and investing in hospitals and health workers. Through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, we are also working to reduce the burden of serious non-communicable diseases on families.”
This year’s visit marks Mercy Ship’s fifth deployment to Ghana since 1991, building on a legacy of impactful collaboration.
Previous visits had facilitated over 2,600 life-altering surgeries, 16,700 dental procedures, and the professional development of 139 Ghanaian healthcare professionals.
