The Ministry of Health has warmly welcomed the Operation Walk Syracuse team from New York, USA, as they begin another humanitarian mission to provide free joint replacement surgeries for Ghanaians in need.

The delegation, made up of orthopaedic surgeons, nurses, anaesthesiologists, physiotherapists, and volunteers, will work alongside local medical professionals at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Koforidua to perform life-changing hip and knee replacement surgeries.

The initiative is expected to restore mobility and hope to patients who would otherwise have limited access to specialist care.

Welcoming the team on behalf of the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Director of Allied Health and Lead for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Dr Ignatius Awinibuno, expressed appreciation to the group for their continued partnership and commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Ghana.

“Your intervention aligns perfectly with Ghana’s national health policy, which seeks to ensure that primary healthcare is accessible to all, with additional support for specialist care through initiatives like MahamaCares,” Dr Awinibuno said.

He assured the visiting team of the Ministry’s full support to ensure the success of the mission and encouraged them to take time to experience Ghana’s rich culture and hospitality.

Also present at the welcoming ceremony were Mr Tony Goodman, Spokesperson to the Health Minister and Head of the Health Training Institutions Unit, as well as officials from St. Joseph’s Hospital, the local host facility.

Speaking on behalf of the visiting team, Kim Murray, Executive Director of Operation Walk Syracuse, highlighted the impact of their work on patients’ lives.

“We’ve seen how transformative joint replacement surgery is in restoring mobility and dignity. Here in Ghana, so many live with pain simply because they lack access to such care. That’s why we’re here, and why Ghana holds such a special place in our hearts,” she said.