Mercy Ships Country Director Visits GCAA Ahead of Second Mission to Ghana

Mercy Ships Country Director Visits GCAA Ahead of Second Mission to Ghana

The Country Director of Mercy Ships, Mr. Jodel Pierre, visited the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) on Tuesday, 26 August 2025, in preparation for the international faith-based organisation’s second mission to Ghana.

Mr. Pierre’s visit sought to explore areas of collaboration with the aviation regulator, particularly regarding logistical and regulatory facilitation for the entry and exit of the organisation’s hospital ship and crew.

Welcoming the delegation, the Acting Director-General of GCAA, Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, expressed appreciation to Mercy Ships for once again choosing Ghana as a host country.

He emphasised that no single nation can fully bear the healthcare burden of its population without external partnerships, highlighting the importance of philanthropic interventions such as those offered by Mercy Ships.

Rev. Arthur described as admirable the decision of the organisation to mobilise a team of volunteer surgeons, medical professionals, and support staff to dedicate 10 months to providing free surgical care and medical services to Ghanaians.

He assured Mercy Ships of GCAA’s readiness to extend logistical and operational support within its mandate, noting the Authority’s keen interest in public health issues given the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the aviation industry.

Mercy Ships first docked in Ghana in 2007. Since 1991, the organisation has partnered with African governments and Ministries of Health to provide safe, free surgical care while simultaneously strengthening national surgical and anaesthetic systems.

At the invitation of host nations, its hospital vessels deliver essential healthcare to underserved populations.

Founded in 1978, Mercy Ships has, for more than three decades, focused primarily on Africa, working alongside government agencies, healthcare institutions, and nonprofit partners.

Beyond direct surgical interventions, the organisation provides training and mentorship for healthcare professionals, supports the construction of medical infrastructure, and contributes to long-term improvements in access to safe surgical, obstetric, and anaesthetic care.

Each year, more than 2,500 volunteers from over 60 countries—including surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers—serve on board the Africa Mercy and Global Mercy, the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships.

National volunteers also join in-country during each mission, offering crucial services such as patient care and translation.

Mercy Ships currently operates National Offices in 16 countries worldwide. Its impact continues to be made possible through the generosity of donors and the dedication of volunteers who give their time, expertise, and resources to transform lives.

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