Ghana Medical Trust Fund Administrator, Obuobia Leads Dame Ann Gloag And Delegation To Visit Key Areas

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund Administrator, ObuobiaDarko-Opoku last week led Dame Ann Gloag, Trustee of Mercy Ships, and her delegation to key areas in the country to visit.

The key venues for the visit included a courtesy call on the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, First Lady of the Republic, H.E. Mrs. Lordina Mahama, President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, at the Jubilee House in Accra on Thursday, among others.

The Health Ministry visit forms part of ongoing preparations for the arrival of the Global Mercy hospital ship, which is scheduled to dock in Ghana in 2026 for an 11-month mission.

During the meeting, Dame Ann outlined Mercy Ships’ plans to provide thousands of free, life-changing surgical procedures, including cleft palate repairs, cataract surgeries, and tumor removals, as well as intensive training for Ghanaian health professionals.

She highlighted the spirit of volunteerism driving the Global Mercy, with hundreds of surgeons, nurses, and other professionals from across the world paying their own way to serve Ghana free of charge.

Dame Ann Gloag commended the Ministry for its leadership and pledged Mercy Ships’ long-term commitment to supporting Ghana’s health system.

This collaboration will directly strengthen Ghana’s surgical and medical capacity, ensuring a lasting impact beyond the ship’s visit.

Hon. Mintah Akandoh reaffirmed the Ministry’s full commitment to the partnership with Mercy Ships and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund for the MahamaCares initiative.

He underscored that the initiative is not an act of charity, but a strategic partnership aligned with Ghana’s national health priorities, particularly in addressing noncommunicable diseases and expanding access to quality care for underserved communities.

“This partnership represents a major step forward in our collective effort to deliver life-saving care and build the capacity of our healthcare workforce. Together, we will ensure that thousands of Ghanaians regain their health, dignity, and productivity,” he added.

The Ministry of Health will continue to work closely with Mercy Ships and its partners to coordinate logistics, patient screening, and training programmes ahead of the ship’s arrival.

The Lordina Mahama visit also formed part of ongoing engagements ahead of Mercy Ships’ 11-month medical mission to Ghana in August 2026, which will be undertaken in partnership with the Ghana Medical Trust Fund. The mission is expected to provide specialised surgical care and critical clinical services to underserved populations, while also building sustainable capacity within Ghana’s health sector.

During the visit, Dame Ann Gloag highlighted the mission of Mercy Ships; not only to deliver free life-changing health care to those in need, but also to strengthen health systems by equipping local professionals with specialised training through mentorship and skills transfer, ensuring long-term impact that extends well beyond each mission.

H.E. Mrs. Lordina Mahama commended the partnership and pledged her support, emphasising the importance of collaborative efforts in safeguarding the well-being of families and strengthening healthcare delivery nationwide.