Health Ministry warns public against fraudulent Mercy Ships fundraising campaign

The Ministry of Health has warned the public against a fraudulent fundraising campaign being aired on some Ghanaian television stations, which falsely solicits money from people seeking surgical treatment through Mercy Ships.

In a press release dated November 10, 2026, the Ministry said the campaign, featuring an organisation identified as the “HELP Save LIFE Foundation”, was requesting financial contributions through an MTN Mobile Money account.

It stressed that the fundraising campaign was not affiliated with, authorised by or endorsed by Mercy Ships.

The Ministry explained that Mercy Ships International, an organisation that provides 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 before the vessel’s arrival through a coordinated process involving Mercy Ships and the Ministry, based on established medical and eligibility criteria.

It added that the hospital vessel was currently operating at full capacity and was not accepting additional patients for the ongoing field service.

The Ministry cautioned that payments or registrations through third parties would not guarantee access to treatment, emphasising that all medical services provided by Mercy Ships were entirely free.

It urged the public not to make payments, share personal or financial information or engage with individuals claiming they could facilitate access to the services.

The Ministry has encouraged anyone who suspects fraudulent activity to report it to the Cyber Security Authority through call or SMS to 292, or by email at report@csa.gov.gh.

Suspected incidents may also be reported to the nearest police station, MTN Ghana through its 100 customer service line, or Mercy Ships through its official communication channels.

The Ministry described the exploitation of vulnerable patients and their families through fraudulent schemes as unacceptable and urged the public to rely only on official communication channels for information on Mercy Ships services and patient access.