Health Ministry Warns Ghanaians Against Fraudulent Mercy Ships Fundraising Campaign
Story by: Regina Bless
The Ministry of Health has warned the public against a fraudulent fundraising campaign being aired on Ghanaian television, which allegedly solicits money from unsuspecting Ghanaians to support patients seeking surgical treatment through Mercy Ships.
In a press release dated November 10, 2026, and signed by Tony Goodman Esq., the Ministry clarified that the campaign is not affiliated with, authorised by, or endorsed by Mercy Ships International.
Mercy Ships International, an international Christian organisation that provides free surgical care and education across Africa, currently has its hospital vessel, the Global Mercy, docked at the Tema Port. The vessel is expected to provide free surgical services to more than 2,500 Ghanaians over a 10-month period ending in June 2027.
According to the Ministry, all patients scheduled for treatment were identified and pre-screened before the vessel’s arrival through a coordinated process involving Mercy Ships and the Ministry, based on established medical and eligibility criteria.
The Ministry further disclosed that Mercy Ships is currently operating at full capacity and is not accepting additional patients for the ongoing field service. It cautioned that payments or registrations made through third parties do not guarantee access to treatment.
The fraudulent television broadcast reportedly features an organisation identified as the “HELP Save LIFE Foundation,” which solicits financial contributions through an MTN Mobile Money account.
The Ministry has emphasised that all medical services provided by Mercy Ships are entirely free, stressing that no patient is required to make payments, donations or mobile money transfers to access treatment.
Members of the public have consequently been urged not to make payments, share personal or financial information with individuals claiming to facilitate access to the services, or engage with similar suspicious fundraising campaigns.
The Ministry advised that suspected fraudulent activities can be reported to the Cyber Security Authority through its 292 call or SMS service, or by email at report@csa.gov.gh. Complaints may also be lodged at the nearest police station, while suspected fraudulent MoMo transactions can be reported to MTN Ghana by calling 100.
The Ministry has described the exploitation of vulnerable patients and their families through fraudulent schemes as unacceptable, urging the public to remain vigilant and rely exclusively on official communication channels of the Ministry of Health and Mercy Ships for accurate information about medical services and patient access.