Mercy Ships to return to Ghana in 2026 with hospital ship Global Mercy
The Government of Ghana and international charity Mercy Ships have reaffirmed their partnership, announcing that the Global Mercy hospital ship will sail to Ghana in August 2026. While docked in the Port of Tema, the ship will deliver free specialized surgeries and provide training for healthcare professionals, advancing Ghana’s national goals for safe surgical care.
This marks Mercy Ships’ fifth visit to Ghana since 1991. Previous missions have provided more than 2,600 surgeries, 16,700 dental procedures, and training for 139 healthcare professionals. The renewed commitment was confirmed following a meeting between President John Dramani Mahama and members of the Mercy Ships Board.
Free surgeries and training to strengthen healthcare system
During the 2026 field service, patients from across Ghana will have access to surgeries including tumor removal, cleft lip and palate repair, pediatric orthopedic operations, cataract surgery, reconstructive plastic surgery, obstetric fistula repair, and both general and pediatric procedures. A nationwide registration process will be launched to identify and schedule patients.
Mercy Ships will also continue supporting Ghana’s National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP). Working with the Ministry of Health and national stakeholders, the organization aims to expand on-ship and off-ship programs in training, education, and health systems strengthening to create lasting improvements in surgical capacity across the country.
