17 Aug Global Mercy docks in Ghana
It’s been 20 years since the Anastasis arrived in Ghana for a 10-month healthcare service that saw hundreds of lives transformed through safe surgery.
Ismailia was one of those patients – a 19-year-old who had lost his nose to the flesh-eating disease, Noma, and turned up at the ship one day to ask for help. Mercy Ships volunteer surgeons took a flap of skin from his scalp to craft a brand-new nose for him. Ismailia will be almost 40 now. Imagine if he turns up at the Global Mercy to say hello!
Ismailia and crew member, Jóhan Petur leaning over the railing on the Anastasis.
As we praise God for the past, today we also give thanks for the future as the Global Mercy docks in the port of Tema.
The volunteer crew on the Global Mercy have an epic 10 months ahead as they expect to complete over 2,500 free surgeries, over 2,000 free dental procedures and educate and train up to 250 Ghanaian participants, including placements on board for post-graduates of Ghana’s College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives.
74 of the crew members are UK volunteers. We have a carpenter from Devon, a headteacher from Scotland, a nurse from Norwich, an anaesthetist from Northern Ireland and so many more. The incredible work that takes place on the Global Mercy would be impossible without their dedication and commitment. Each role is essential.
The surgical need in Ghana
The surgical need in Ghana is significant. There are numerous barriers to accessing quality surgical care in Ghana, including a lack of access to operating room essentials, especially in rural areas.
Ghana has a national health insurance but the coverage is limited and Ghanaian patients cover up to 91 percent of their own direct medical costs out of pocket, making the cost of surgery for many families simply impossible.
The government of Ghana has been working to address the gap in its country’s surgical system, but believes that priorities can be achieved more efficiently and at a higher quality when partnerships are embraced.
In 2024, Ghana developed its National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP).
“It ensures that essential surgical, obstetric, and anaesthesia services are incorporated into Ghana’s universal health coverage strategy,” says Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Ghana’s Minister of Health. “This is an important step toward reducing maternal and child mortality, effectively managing trauma cases, and strengthening emergency and critical care services throughout the country.”
Mercy Ships is now in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and national stakeholders, helping to support its implementation.
Please join us in praying as the Global Mercy begins this next season in Ghana. Let us pray for the training placements, the collaboration and for each of the women, men and children who will finally have the chance to access life-saving surgery on board.
We’re still looking for more volunteers to cover the roles listed below, so if you know anyone who has been thinking about volunteering, please give them a nudge!