Tema, Feb. 16, GNA- Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama on Friday lauded the medical volunteers aboard M/V Anastasia ship, which had docked at Tema Harbour for nine months, for displaying a sense of commitment to heal the needy in society.

"I am thrilled by your excellent work to humanity. You have brought hope to Ghanaians. This is a rare opportunity for the poor who brought nothing on board your ship and went home with something," he said. M/V Anastasia was part of the Mercy Ships medical network, which carry out missionary works across the globe by healing people free of charge.

Vice President Mahama tasked journalists to help inculcate in Ghanaians the need to embrace the spirit of volunteerism by giving a little to better the lives of others. Mr Udo Kronester, Programmes Director of the Ship, said the main vision of the volunteers was to bring hope and healing especially for the very poor in society.

He said the medical team had carried out 1,337 eye surgeries, 80 vagina fistula surgeries while 4, 541 dental patients had received care. Mr Kronester said the fistula operations had re-united a number of women who were extradited from their families due to the socially demeaning disease, while a man with large mass of kiloids, which had disfigured him, had been given a new look. The Mercy Ship volunteers were also engaged in community development, agriculture and micro-enterprise projects. Ms Solfrid Quist, Executive Director of the ship said over 300 medical personnel had plans to serve in West Africa for many years. She said the Ship had so far docked in Ghana in 19991, 1994, 1995 and 2006. 16 Feb.07