Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, Hon. Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, has commended Mercy Ships for its decades-long contribution to healthcare delivery in Ghana, describing its humanitarian mission as a shining example of compassion and service to humanity.
Mr Afriyie-Ankrah made the remarks when he visited the Global Mercy, the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, following its arrival in Ghana to support the provision of specialist medical care to people in need.
He said the arrival of the vessel was both exciting and deeply touching, particularly given the longstanding relationship between Ghana and Mercy Ships, which dates back to 1991.
“For decades, you have demonstrated that compassion knows no borders, no nationality and no race,” he said.
According to him, Mercy Ships had made a remarkable contribution to Ghana’s health sector through life-changing surgical interventions, professional training and capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
He commended the hundreds of international volunteers who leave their homes and families to serve aboard the ship, including surgeons, nurses, engineers, technicians and other specialists.
Mr Afriyie-Ankrah said their sacrifice represented the true meaning of humanitarian service and leadership.
He stressed that “the greatest expression of leadership is service,” and urged Ghanaians to appreciate the commitment of the volunteers and their families.
The Presidential Envoy also praised the collaboration between Mercy Ships and key Ghanaian institutions, including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana Health Service and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.
He said the partnership demonstrated the impact that could be achieved when government, development partners, civil society organisations and humanitarian agencies worked together towards a common goal.
He noted that the value of Mercy Ships’ intervention went beyond the surgeries performed on board the vessel.
“It is about restoring confidence, rebuilding families, strengthening our healthcare workforce, and leaving behind a lasting legacy through education and training for Ghanaian health professionals,” he said.
Mr Afriyie-Ankrah said the Government’s vision of resetting the country was not limited to economic transformation but also included improving the quality of life of ordinary Ghanaians, particularly the vulnerable.
“As a social democratic government, we firmly believe that a true measure of development is how we care for the most vulnerable among us,” he stated.
He said access to quality and affordable healthcare was an essential component of national development and that no society could claim meaningful progress if its most vulnerable citizens were left without the care they needed.
He said Mercy Ships’ interventions complemented the Government’s efforts to expand access to healthcare while equipping local health professionals with skills and knowledge that would continue to benefit the country long after the ship had departed.
As Presidential Envoy responsible for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, Mr Afriyie-Ankrah further highlighted the faith-based motivation underpinning the work of Mercy Ships.
He said the principles of mercy, compassion and service to humanity were common values shared by different religious traditions and could serve as a bridge for promoting unity and peaceful coexistence.
“Our common humanity is greater than our differences,” he said.
He described the mission of Mercy Ships as a practical demonstration of how faith and humanitarian action could come together to restore hope and dignity to people facing serious health challenges.
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