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 identified an organisation operating under the name “HELP Save LIFE Foundation” as being behind the television broadcast, which solicits financial contributions through an MTN Mobile Money account.
The Ministry clarified that the fundraising campaign is not affiliated with, authorised by or endorsed by Mercy Ships International.
Mercy Ships, an international Christian 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 further disclosed that Mercy Ships is currently operating at full capacity and is not accepting additional patients for the ongoing field service.
The Ministry stressed that payments or registrations through third parties would not guarantee access to treatment, adding that all medical services provided by Mercy Ships are entirely free.
It urged the public not to make payments, share personal or financial information with individuals claiming to facilitate access to the services, or engage with similar suspicious solicitations.
Members of the public have been advised to report suspected fraudulent activities to the Cyber Security Authority on 292, the Ghana Police Service at the nearest police station, MTN Ghana on 100, or through Mercy Ships’ 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 solely on official Ministry of Health and Mercy Ships communication channels for accurate information.
By: Bernard Mensah
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