Gov't is expanding free primary health care, strengthening NHIS, investing in hospitals and health workers - Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare for all Ghanaians.

The President said the government is expanding Free Primary Healthcare, strengthening the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), investing in hospitals and health workers, and using the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares) to help reduce the financial burden of serious non-communicable diseases on families.

President Mahama made the remarks after touring the Global Mercy, the world’s largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship, which is currently docked at the Tema Port as part of a 10-month medical mission in Ghana.

The vessel arrived in Ghana on August 18, 2026, and is providing free specialist surgeries while working with local health institutions to strengthen Ghana’s surgical and anaesthetic systems. The current mission marks Mercy Ships’ fifth deployment to Ghana since 1991.

The President said he was deeply moved by his interactions with Ghanaians receiving life-changing treatment aboard the vessel, including children undergoing surgery for orthopaedic conditions.

He expressed appreciation to Mercy Ships for returning to Ghana and described the organisation’s work as an example of humanitarian service.

“I welcomed the Mercy Ships team back to Ghana for their fifth mission since 1991. In a world where countries and individuals are increasingly focused on self-interest, Mercy Ships remains a floating vessel of true mercy and humanism,” he said.

According to the President, the mission’s impact extends beyond the provision of medical procedures, as Ghanaian health professionals are also being trained alongside the international medical team.

“During its 10-month stay, the mission will continue to provide direct patient care while training local health workers alongside its international medical team,” he said.

The current mission is expected to provide more than 2,000 free surgeries and about 3,500 dental treatments, with procedures including cataract surgeries, cleft lip and palate repairs, tumour removals and childhood orthopaedic operations. About 200 patients had already undergone surgery by October 2, according to Mercy Ships.

President Mahama also stressed the importance of ensuring that patients continue to receive appropriate care after the Global Mercy leaves Ghana. He directed the Ministry of Health to work with Mercy Ships and relevant health institutions to establish effective referral and follow-up arrangements.

He further called for the knowledge gained through the partnership to be transferred into Ghana’s health system, particularly in surgery, anaesthesia and nursing.

The President expressed gratitude to the medical crew, volunteers, donors, local partners and other supporters of Mercy Ships for their contribution to healthcare delivery in Ghana.

While acknowledging the value of the humanitarian mission, he said the government remained committed to building stronger domestic healthcare systems.

“As I told them today, this is not the first time they have been here, and it will certainly not be the last,” he said.

“While we appreciate humanitarian support, my administration remains firmly committed to expanding access to quality healthcare for all Ghanaians. We are expanding free primary health care, strengthening the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), investing in hospitals and health workers, and using the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to ease the burden of serious non-communicable diseases on families.”

The government has previously said the Free Primary Healthcare programme is intended to provide basic medical services at primary healthcare facilities, including CHPS compounds and polyclinics, without requiring patients to present a health insurance card.