President John Dramani Mahama has visited the Global Mercy, the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, currently docked at the Tema Port as part of a 10-month medical mission in Ghana.

During the visit, President Mahama interacted with Ghanaian patients receiving treatment aboard the vessel, including children undergoing procedures for orthopaedic conditions.

According to the President, some of the patients had waited for years to access the treatments they are receiving through the Mercy Ships mission.

President Mahama welcomed the Mercy Ships team back to Ghana, describing the current mission as the organisation’s fifth mission in the country since 1991.

The Global Mercy will provide direct medical care during its 10-month stay while also supporting the training of local health workers alongside its international medical team.

President Mahama expressed appreciation to the medical crew, volunteers, donors and local partners supporting the mission.

He said the presence of Mercy Ships demonstrated the contribution humanitarian medical missions can make to expanding access to specialised healthcare.

President Mahama also highlighted his administration’s healthcare priorities, including the expansion of free primary healthcare, strengthening of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), investment in hospitals and health workers, and the use of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to support families dealing with serious non-communicable diseases.

He said while Ghana appreciated the humanitarian support provided by Mercy Ships, his administration remained committed to expanding access to quality healthcare for Ghanaians.

“While we appreciate humanitarian support, my administration remains firmly committed to expanding access to quality healthcare for all Ghanaians,” he said.

President Mahama also expressed confidence that Mercy Ships would continue its engagement with Ghana beyond the current mission.

“To the crew of the Global Mercy, Ghana says thank you,” he said.