Mercy Ships is targeting more than 2,000 free surgeries and about 3,500 dental treatments during its 10-month medical mission in Ghana.
The humanitarian organisation says the mission is aimed at providing specialist medical care to patients who may otherwise face difficulties accessing such services.
Trustee of Mercy Ships, Dame Anne Gloag, disclosed the target during an engagement with President John Dramani Mahama aboard the Global Mercy at the Tema Harbour.
She said about 200 patients had already undergone surgery, with the mission expected to provide treatment to thousands more during its stay in Ghana.
The procedures include cataract surgeries, cleft lip and palate repairs, tumour removals and childhood orthopaedic operations.
President Mahama said the impact of the mission extended beyond the medical procedures, particularly for children whose conditions had affected their confidence and participation in everyday activities.
He cited the example of children with conditions such as curved legs or clubfoot, saying successful treatment could enable them to return to everyday activities with their peers.
The President also called for the mission to leave a lasting benefit to Ghana’s health system through skills transfer and stronger follow-up care.
He urged the Ministry of Health to collaborate with Mercy Ships on patient referrals, rehabilitation and continued treatment after the Global Mercy leaves Ghana.
“A patient’s care must continue safely even after Global Mercy has left,” he said.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh said the government would work to maximise the benefits of the ship’s 10-month stay, including providing support for emergency cases and post-surgery care.
Mercy Ships has undertaken four previous missions in Ghana since 1991, during which it delivered more than 2,600 surgeries and 16,700 dental procedures and supported the training of 139 Ghanaian health professionals.
