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Ministry of Health warns against fraudulent Mercy Ships fundraising
•2 min read•2 sources
The Ministry of Health has issued an urgent warning to the public regarding a fraudulent fundraising campaign targeting individuals seeking surgical care through Mercy Ships. The deceptive scheme, promoted by an organization calling itself the "HELP Save LIFE Foundation," has been soliciting money from vulnerable patients under the guise of facilitating access to medical treatment on the Global Mercy vessel. Officials emphasized that no third-party organizations are authorized to collect funds on behalf of the international charity.
According to a statement released by the Ministry, the group has been broadcasting advertisements on several television stations, requesting donations through an MTN Mobile Money account. The Ministry clarified that the HELP Save LIFE Foundation has no affiliation with Mercy Ships International and that all medical and surgical services provided by the vessel are entirely free of charge. The public is warned that any payments made to such entities do not guarantee medical appointments or treatment.
The Global Mercy is currently docked at the Tema Port as part of a mission to provide free specialized surgical care to more than 2,500 Ghanaians by June 2027. The Ministry noted that patients eligible for these procedures had already undergone a rigorous pre-screening process based on established medical criteria before the vessel’s arrival. This existing protocol ensures that those most in need receive care without any financial barriers.
Condemning the exploitation of vulnerable patients, the Ministry advised citizens to rely solely on official government and Mercy Ships communication channels for information. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious fundraising activities to the Cyber Security Authority by calling or texting 292, or by contacting the Ghana Police Service and MTN Ghana. The Ministry remains committed to protecting the integrity of international health partnerships and ensuring the safety of Ghanaian patients.