The Ministry of Health has cautioned Ghanaians against paying money to individuals or organisations promising access to free surgeries aboard the Mercy Ships hospital vessel currently stationed at the Tema Port.
The warning follows the emergence of a fraudulent television fundraising campaign by an organisation calling itself the “HELP Save LIFE Foundation”, which is allegedly soliciting donations through an MTN Mobile Money account in the name of supporting patients seeking surgical treatment.
In a statement dated November 10, the Ministry clarified that the campaign had not been authorised, endorsed or approved by Mercy Ships International.
It emphasised that the Christian humanitarian organisation provides free surgical services and medical education across Africa and does not charge patients for treatment.
The Ministry explained that patients selected for the ongoing medical programme had already undergone pre-screening through a coordinated process involving Mercy Ships and the Ministry, based on established medical and eligibility requirements.
The Global Mercy, the organisation’s hospital vessel, is expected to perform free surgeries on more than 2,500 Ghanaians during its 10-month stay in the country, which is scheduled to end in June 2027.
However, the Ministry disclosed that the vessel was currently operating at full capacity and was not accepting additional patients for the ongoing field service.
It warned that registering with third parties or making payments to individuals claiming to facilitate access to treatment would not guarantee medical attention.
The public has consequently been urged not to transfer money, disclose personal or financial information, or engage with persons claiming to have special arrangements for securing surgical services.
Suspected fraudulent activities can be reported to the Cyber Security Authority through calls or SMS to 292, or by email at [email protected]. Victims of suspected Mobile Money fraud may also contact MTN Ghana on 100 or report to the nearest police station.
The Ministry further encouraged the public to verify information through official Ministry of Health and Mercy Ships communication channels, describing attempts to exploit vulnerable patients and their families as unacceptable.
