The Global Mercy is going to Ghana in August 2026!!!
Exciting times as Mercy Ships prepares to return to the nation of Ghana in West Africa. Our last field service in Tema, Ghana, was with the Anastasis from June 2006 to February 2007 – that was my 1st field service in Africa. While on the Africa Mercy, we visited Ghana in late 2011, but it was just a short R & R stop for the crew after finishing the year in Sierra Leone and transitioning to Togo.
Here are the details from the Press Release:
Joint Press Release – September 11 2025
Government of Ghana Renews Partnership with
Mercy Ships to Strengthen Surgical Care
ACCRA, GHANA – September 11, 2025: 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 field service marks Mercy Ships’ fifth visit to Ghana since 1991, building on a long history of collaboration that has provided more than 2,600 surgeries, 16,700 dental procedures, and training for 139 healthcare professionals.
The renewed partnership was confirmed following a meeting between H.E. President John Dramani Mahama and members of the Mercy Ships Board.
His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama, said:
“Health is not a luxury, it is the foundation of freedom. It is the currency of our dignity. It is our greatest public good and so I am delighted to welcome Mercy Ships to Ghana next year.”
During this field service, patients from across Ghana will have access to specialized surgeries. Anticipated procedures include tumor removal, cleft lip and palate repair, pediatric orthopedic surgery, surgery for cataracts, reconstructive plastic surgery, obstetric fistula repair, general and pediatric surgeries. A registration process will open nationwide to identify and schedule patients.
Gary Brown, Board Chair and Interim CEO of Mercy Ships, said:
“Mercy Ships is honored to return to Ghana, a nation with which we share a rich history of partnership. Together with the Ministry of Health and other partners, we look forward to delivering life-changing surgeries and investing in local surgical training that will strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system for years to come.”
In addition to surgical services, Mercy Ships has been actively engaged in supporting the development and implementation of Ghana’s National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP) in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and national stakeholders. Building on this foundation, Mercy Ships will continue to collaborate with the government of Ghana to identify areas where its on-ship and off-ship programs, particularly in education, training, and health systems strengthening, can add the greatest value. With the Global Mercy based in Ghana, these initiatives will further strengthen our partnership and contribute to lasting improvements in surgical and healthcare capacity across the country.
I will travel to Ghana next week and be there for a couple of months before returning to Madagascar to assist with the Africa Mercy‘s departure at the end of the year. My next KRB Update will be from Ghana. Now I need to freshen up on my Twi language skills.
Prayers for Madagascar: For those who track international news, you may have seen and read that there are protests and riots taking place in the nation of Madagascar.
A friend posted the following on social media – protests related to ‘Rights to access water, electricity, education, land, and health, the right to speak, to move, to work, to build their futures. The President communicated today that “I understand the anger and sadness, I hear your claims. I see the suffering and I suffer just as much. I’m looking for solutions to improve daily life. I hear the demands and I ask for forgiveness if some government members haven’t done their duty. The government hasn’t heard your concerns. The Prime Minister and government are dissolved based on the constitution. A new Prime Minister will be appointed within 3 days. A new government will work for the good of the Malagasy people. Join us if you have the skills to bring about change. Young people have a place to change the country.”
Our Country Engagement Team in the capital is heeding the warnings and being careful. The ship and the team in the port city of Toamasina are also tracking activities and ensuring safety and security for our crew (including those arriving and departing the country), day crew / local workers, patients, and participants.
I will be returning to Madagascar later this year.