President John Dramani Mahama visited the Global Mercy medical ship docked at Tema Port in Ghana's Greater Accra Region. He was accompanied by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and other senior government officials. The medical ship, operated by Mercy Ships International, is in Ghana for a 10-month mission to provide free specialised surgeries and dental care. President Mahama was received by Dame Ann Gloag, Lifetime Director of Mercy Ships International.
During the visit, President Mahama interacted with patients, including children who had undergone life-changing orthopaedic surgeries, and their mothers. He praised Dame Ann Gloag for her persistence in bringing the medical ship to Ghana, describing it as a complex undertaking with many conditions precedent. The President expressed his admiration for the smiles on children's faces after their surgeries, saying it was enough to melt the most wicked heart.
President Mahama described Mercy Ships as a beacon of hope in a world where countries are becoming more selfish. He noted that the organisation's mission is a valuable contribution to Ghana's wider effort to expand free primary healthcare and strengthen the National Health Insurance Scheme. The President directed the Ministry of Health to work closely with Mercy Ships on patient referrals, follow-up care, and professional training for Ghanaian health workers.
The President reaffirmed his government's commitment to investing in hospitals and health workers. He mentioned that the government is working to reduce the burden of serious non-communicable diseases on families through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund. President Mahama also directed sector ministries and agencies to work together to ensure prompt and smooth operational arrangements for the medical ship.
President Mahama acknowledged Mercy Ships' long history of service to Ghana, with four previous visits dating back to 1991. Those missions delivered over 2,600 surgeries and 16,700 dental procedures, and supported the development of 139 Ghanaian health professionals. He thanked Archbishop Nicholas Duncan Williams and other friends of Mercy Ships for their role in sustaining the partnership.
The President expressed gratitude to Mercy Ships, donors, the medical team, crew, captain, and volunteers. He assured that his government would address the challenges faced by Mercy Ships, which Dame Ann Gloag had apprised him of during their meeting. President Mahama emphasised that the support for this mission must be practical and accountable.
The 10-month mission of the Global Mercy medical ship aims to provide free specialised surgeries and dental care to Ghanaians. President Mahama's visit and pledge of support demonstrate the government's commitment to improving healthcare in the country. The partnership between the Ghanaian government and Mercy Ships is expected to have a lasting impact on the country's healthcare system.
Key points
- President Mahama pledges support for free surgeries and healthcare during the 10-month mission of the Global Mercy medical ship.
- The medical ship will provide specialised surgeries and dental care to Ghanaians, with Ghanaian health workers learning alongside the international team.
- The partnership between the Ghanaian government and Mercy Ships aims to improve healthcare in Ghana, with a focus on expanding free primary healthcare and strengthening the National Health Insurance Scheme.
