Ghana has officially renewed its partnership with the international humanitarian organization Mercy Ships, confirming that the hospital vessel Global Mercy will dock at the Port of Tema in August 2026. The world’s largest civilian hospital ship will spend several months in Ghana, providing free life-changing surgeries such as tumor removals, cleft lip and palate repair, pediatric orthopedic procedures, cataract operations, and obstetric fistula treatment. In addition to patient care, the mission will focus on building local capacity. Ghanaian doctors, nurses, and health workers will receive hands-on training from international specialists, equipping them with new skills that will remain long after the ship departs.
This visit will be Mercy Ships’ fifth mission to Ghana since 1991. Previous missions have delivered more than 2,600 surgeries, 16,700 dental treatments, and trained 139 health professionals. Health officials say the renewed collaboration goes beyond immediate surgical interventions. The Ministry of Health will work closely with Mercy Ships to advance Ghana’s National Surgery, Obstetrics, and Anesthesia Plan (NSOAP), designed to expand access to safe, affordable, and timely surgical care nationwide. “Mercy Ships is not only bringing hope through free surgeries, but also leaving a legacy of stronger health systems,” a Ministry of Health spokesperson said. The arrival of Global Mercy is expected to draw thousands of patients from across Ghana and neighboring countries, many of whom have been waiting years for critical care that is otherwise unaffordable or unavailable.
