The Ministry of Health has cautioned the public against a fraudulent fundraising campaign being carried out in Ghana using the name of the international charity hospital ship, Mercy Ships, to solicit money from unsuspecting individuals seeking medical treatment.
In a press release signed by Tony Goodman on November 10, 2026, the Ministry said it had become aware of individuals falsely claiming to raise funds to support patients requiring surgical treatment through Mercy Ships.
According to the Ministry, Mercy Ships International, a non-governmental organization known for providing free surgical care and healthcare services across Africa, currently operates the Global Mercy hospital ship docked in Tema Port. The vessel is expected to provide more than 2,500 free surgeries over a 10-month mission ending in June 2027.
The Ministry clarified that patients scheduled for treatment were identified and pre-screened through a coordinated process involving Mercy Ships and the Ministry, based on established medical and eligibility criteria.
It stressed that Mercy Ships is currently functioning at full capacity and is not accepting additional patients for the ongoing field service. Consequently, the Ministry emphasized that any payments, registration fees, or financial contributions would not guarantee access to treatment.
The statement specifically identified a group operating under the name “HELP Save LIFE Foundation” as being linked to the fraudulent fundraising effort. The organization is allegedly soliciting donations through mobile money accounts.
“The Ministry wishes to state categorically that the campaign is not affiliated with, authorised by, or endorsed by Mercy Ships,” the statement said.
Reiterating that all medical services offered by Mercy Ships are completely free, the Ministry noted that no patient must make payments, donations, or mobile money transfers to access treatment.
Members of the public have therefore been advised not to make payments or disclose personal or financial information to individuals claiming to facilitate access to Mercy Ships services, or engaging in other similar suspicious activities.
The Ministry further urged the public to report any suspected fraudulent activity. Complaints can be lodged with the Cyber Security Authority, the Ghana Police Service, the Mobile Money Ltd. (MTN) fraud reporting channel, or directly through Mercy Ships’ official communication platforms.
The Ministry described the exploitation of vulnerable patients and their families through fraudulent schemes as unacceptable and called on the public to remain vigilant.
It also encouraged citizens to rely solely on official communication channels of the Ministry of Health and Mercy Ships for accurate information regarding medical services and patient access.