Health Ministry warns against fake fundraising campaign targeting Mercy Ships patients

The Ministry of Health has warned the public against a fraudulent fundraising campaign being aired on some television stations in Ghana, which falsely claims to be raising money to support patients seeking free surgical treatment through Mercy Ships.

In a press release dated November 10, the Ministry said the campaign, reportedly being run by an organisation identified as the HELP Save LIFE Foundation, was soliciting financial contributions through an MTN Mobile Money account under the false pretence of helping patients access medical services provided by Mercy Ships.

The Ministry stressed that the fundraising campaign has no connection with Mercy Ships International and has neither been authorised nor endorsed by the organisation.

It also reminded the public that all surgical procedures and other medical services provided by Mercy Ships are completely free, warning that no patient is required to pay money, make donations or transfer funds through mobile money to receive treatment.

Mercy Ships International, 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 surgical treatment to more than 2,500 Ghanaians over 10 months, ending in June 2027.

According to the Ministry, the patients scheduled to receive treatment were identified and pre-screened before the vessel arrived in Ghana through a coordinated process involving Mercy Ships and the Ministry of Health.

The selection process was based on established medical and eligibility criteria to determine patients who qualify for the available services.

The Ministry further disclosed that Mercy Ships is currently operating at full capacity and is not accepting additional patients for the ongoing field service.

It warned that individuals or groups claiming to facilitate access to treatment in exchange for money or registration fees should not be trusted.

"Payments or registrations through third parties will not guarantee access to treatment," the Ministry stated.

The Ministry urged members of the public, particularly patients and their families who may be desperate for surgical care, not to fall victim to the fraudulent scheme.

It advised the public against making payments, sharing personal or financial information with individuals claiming to facilitate access to Mercy Ships services, or responding to similar suspicious requests.

The Ministry also encouraged anyone who encounters suspected fraudulent activities to report them to the appropriate authorities.

Members of the public can contact the Cyber Security Authority by calling or sending an SMS to 292, or by emailing report@csa.gov.gh. Suspected cases can also be reported at the nearest Ghana Police Service station.

Those who encounter suspicious MTN Mobile Money transactions have been advised to contact MTN Ghana on 100. Reports can also be made directly to Mercy Ships through its official communication channels.

The Ministry described the exploitation of vulnerable patients and their families through fraudulent fundraising schemes as unacceptable and called on the public to remain vigilant.

It further urged Ghanaians to rely only on official communication channels of the Ministry of Health and Mercy Ships for accurate information about the ongoing medical programme, including treatment arrangements and patient eligibility.