Mahama commends Mercy Ships for transforming lives through specialist care

Story by: Regina Bless

President John Dramani Mahama has commended Mercy Ships for providing specialised medical care to Ghanaians and helping transform the lives of patients who have waited years for treatment.

The President made the remarks on Friday when he toured the Mercy Ships hospital currently docked at the Tema Port as part of its 10-month stay in Ghana.

During the visit, President Mahama interacted with Ghanaian patients receiving treatment and expressed appreciation to the ship’s crew and Ghanaian volunteers for their service.

He noted that Mercy Ships has visited Ghana four times since 1991, performing more than 2,600 surgeries and 16,700 dental procedures, while also supporting the training and development of 139 Ghanaian health professionals.

The President said the organisation’s voluntary medical services have provided critical treatment to people suffering from conditions including cataracts, cleft lips and palates, tumours and childhood orthopaedic conditions.

President Mahama urged the Ministry of Health and relevant agencies to provide the necessary support to enhance the work of Mercy Ships during its current mission.

He also assured Ghanaians that government will continue to invest in measures aimed at improving access to quality healthcare, including expanding free primary healthcare, strengthening the National Health Insurance Programme and investing in hospitals and health workers.

He added that the Ghana Medical Trust Fund is also being used to help reduce the financial burden of serious non-communicable diseases on families.

The President expressed gratitude to Mercy Ships for its continued partnership with Ghana and its contribution to improving the health and wellbeing of people across the country.