Mercy Ships surgeries are free; beware of fundraising scams – Health Ministry to Ghanaians

The Ministry of Health has cautioned the public against a fraudulent fundraising campaign being aired on Ghanaian television, which allegedly solicits money from patients and their families under the pretext of facilitating access to free surgical services provided by Mercy Ships.

The campaign, reportedly being promoted by an organisation identified as the HELP Save LIFE Foundation, appeals for financial contributions through a Mobile Money account.

In a press release dated November 10, the Ministry said the campaign was not affiliated with, authorised by or endorsed by Mercy Ships and cautioned the public against making payments to individuals claiming to facilitate access to the services.

“The public is reminded that all medical services provided by Mercy Ships are entirely free. No patient is required to make payments, donations or mobile money transfers to access treatment,” the statement said in part.

The Ministry explained that Mercy Ships International, an organisation providing free surgical care and medical education across Africa, currently has its hospital vessel, The Global Mercy, docked at the Tema Port.

The vessel is expected to provide free surgeries to more than 2,500 Ghanaians over a 10-month period ending in June 2027.

According to the Ministry, patients scheduled for treatment were identified and pre-screened through a coordinated process involving the organisation and the Ministry before the vessel's arrival.

It added that the ongoing medical programme was operating at full capacity and was not accepting additional patients.

The Ministry, therefore, cautioned that payments or registrations through third parties would not guarantee access to treatment.

It urged the public not to share personal or financial information with individuals claiming to facilitate access to the services and encouraged anyone who encounters suspicious solicitations to report them to the appropriate authorities.

Suspected fraudulent transactions can be reported to the Cyber Security Authority through its 292 hotline, the Ghana Police Service at the nearest police station, or MTN Ghana through its 100 customer service number.

“The Ministry considers the exploitation of vulnerable patients and their families through fraudulent schemes unacceptable and urges the public to remain vigilant,” the statement added.