Ministry of Health warns public against fake Mercy Ships fundraising campaign on TV

The Ministry of Health has issued a warning to Ghanaians regarding a deceptive fundraising campaign broadcast on local television. The scam falsely asks for donations to aid patients receiving surgical treatment from Mercy Ships, an international Christian organization that provides free medical care and education across Africa.

Mercy Ships' hospital ship, The Global Mercy, is currently anchored at Tema Port and was set to provide over 2,500 Ghanaians with free surgeries over a 10-month period concluding in June 2027. The Ministry of Health clarified that patients were carefully selected and pre-screened prior to The Global Mercy's arrival, following a joint process with Mercy Ships, based on specific medical and eligibility guidelines.

According to the Ministry, Mercy Ships is currently at full capacity and is not accepting any new patients. The organization emphasized that payments or registrations through third parties do not guarantee access to treatment. The fraudulent broadcast was purportedly from an entity called 'HELP Save LIFE Foundation,' which solicits financial contributions via an MTN Mobile Money account.

The Ministry made it clear that the campaign is not associated, authorized, or endorsed by Mercy Ships. They reminded the public that all medical services offered by Mercy Ships are entirely free, and patients are not required to pay, donate, or transfer funds via mobile money to receive treatment. The Ministry cautioned the public against making payments, disclosing personal or financial information to those claiming to facilitate access to services, or engaging with similar suspicious solicitations.

They urged the public to depend solely on official Ministry of Health and Mercy Ships communication channels for accurate information regarding medical services and patient access.