The Ministry of Health has issued a public warning against a fraudulent fundraising campaign being broadcast on some Ghanaian television stations, which falsely claims to be raising money to support patients seeking free surgical treatment through Mercy Ships International.
The Ministry has clarified that the fundraising exercise is not authorised by Mercy Ships and urged Ghanaians to avoid making payments to individuals or organisations claiming to facilitate access to the medical services.
Mercy Ships International, a Christian humanitarian organisation that provides free surgical treatment and medical training across Africa, currently has its hospital vessel, The Global Mercy, docked at the Tema Port.
The vessel is expected to perform free surgeries for more than 2,500 Ghanaians over a 10-month period, with the medical programme scheduled to run until June 2027.
According to the Ministry of Health, patients scheduled to receive treatment were identified and screened before the ship arrived in Ghana. The selection process was jointly conducted by Mercy Ships and the Ministry using established medical requirements and eligibility criteria.
However, the Ministry has disclosed that Mercy Ships is currently operating at full capacity and is no longer accepting additional patients for its ongoing medical mission.
It has therefore cautioned the public against individuals or third-party organisations demanding money in exchange for registration or access to surgical services, stressing that such payments do not guarantee treatment.
The Ministry specifically identified a television fundraising campaign allegedly being organised by an entity calling itself “HELP Save LIFE Foundation.” The organisation is reportedly soliciting financial contributions through an MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) account.
The Ministry emphasised that the campaign has no affiliation with, authorisation from or endorsement by Mercy Ships International.
It further reminded Ghanaians that all medical services provided by Mercy Ships are completely free of charge. Patients are not required to pay registration fees, make donations or transfer money through mobile money platforms to receive treatment.
Members of the public have consequently been advised not to send money, disclose personal or financial information, or engage with individuals promising to secure access to the free surgical programme.
Where to Report Fake Mercy Ships Fundraising Activities
The Ministry has encouraged anyone who encounters suspicious fundraising activities or suspected mobile money fraud to report them through the appropriate authorities.
The following reporting channels have been provided:
- Cyber Security Authority (CSA): Call or send an SMS to 292, or email [email protected].
- Ghana Police Service: Report the incident at the nearest police station.
- MTN Ghana: Call 100 to report suspected fraudulent Mobile Money transactions.
- Mercy Ships International: Report suspicious activities through its official communication channels.
The Ministry described the exploitation of vulnerable patients and their families through fraudulent fundraising schemes as unacceptable and urged the public to remain vigilant.
Ghanaians have also been advised to obtain accurate information about Mercy Ships’ free medical services, patient eligibility and treatment arrangements exclusively through the official communication channels of the Ministry of Health and Mercy Ships.
The Ministry reiterated that no individual or organisation is authorised to collect money from patients in exchange for access to the free surgical services being provided by The Global Mercy in Ghana.
Source: newsthemegh.com