The Ministry of Health has cautioned the public against a fraudulent fundraising campaign being aired on some television stations in Ghana, targeting people seeking surgical treatment through Mercy Ships.
In a press release dated November 10, 2026, the Ministry said the campaign, allegedly being run by an organisation identified as the “HELP Save LIFE Foundation”, was soliciting financial contributions through an MTN Mobile Money account.
It stressed that the fundraising initiative had no affiliation with, authorisation from or endorsement by Mercy Ships.
The Ministry explained that Mercy Ships International, which provides free surgical care and medical training across Africa, currently has its hospital vessel, The Global Mercy, docked at the Tema Port.
The vessel is expected to provide free surgical procedures to more than 2,500 Ghanaians during a 10-month operation 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 operating at full capacity and was not accepting additional patients for the ongoing medical mission.
The Ministry warned that making payments or registering through third parties would not guarantee access to treatment, emphasising that all medical services provided by Mercy Ships were completely free.
It therefore urged the public not to make payments, disclose personal or financial information or engage with individuals claiming they could secure access to the services.
Members of the public who suspect fraudulent activities have been advised to report them to the Cyber Security Authority through calls or SMS to 292, or by email at report@csa.gov.gh.
Suspected cases may also be reported to the nearest police station, MTN Ghana through its customer service line on 100, or Mercy Ships through its official communication channels.
The Ministry described attempts to exploit vulnerable patients and their families through fraudulent schemes as unacceptable, urging the public to rely exclusively on official channels for information on Mercy Ships services and patient access.
