On Easter Sunday in Ghana, Charity was joined by her family as they sang and danced in the company of a jubilant congregation. 

Today, she’s a key member of this church — cleaning as well as handling church offerings — but, just a few years ago, she couldn’t bring herself to step foot at the entrance of any chapel in her village. 

“Formerly, I didn’t perform these duties, or go to church, because of the shame,” Charity recalled. 

Life Behind a Tumor 

For more than two decades, Charity lived in Ghana with a facial tumor that began when her first child was only 2 years old. It developed as a tiny bump, growing bigger yearly until she was confined to her room, eating alone and avoiding community gatherings.  

“Though I didn’t deserve this sickness, it became my burden,” she said.  

Bring hope to others in Ghana

Charity could not afford surgery, so she relied on traditional medicine, which did little to change her condition. Humiliation forced her into isolation, until she learned to live with this unwelcome new part of her body. At 46, with the tumor larger than her head, she had forgotten what a life without pain was like.

“She was not able to go out,” her husband shared. “People were laughing at her, and I felt ashamed.” 

Charity’s condition also affected her first child, Christine, who had to drop out of school to help support the family. 

Looking back, Christine, now 24-years-old and close to tears, recounted her mother’s ordeal: “We didn’t go to social gatherings, churches, places where people were. Any time my mom went there, she would be the center of attention… they would transfer their attention to my mom with embarrassment, talking ill about her and laughing.” 

The Miracle of Surgery 

Sylvester, a Ghanaian teacher and humanitarian, knew Charity needed help. He suggested they reach out to Mercy Ships in hopes that surgery might finally be possible. He joined Charity on the hospital ship when it was docked in Guinea in 2018.

There, Charity’s burden was finally removed.

After the operation, maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Gary Parker, who performed Charity’s surgery, invited Sylvester into the operating room where Sylvester wept after seeing her transformation.

Though he’d seen the transformations possible aboard the ship before, he had never seen a tumor as big as Charity’s and was aware that it had become life-threatening. Despite bleak expectations, Charity’s village had charged him with her safety and the woman he saw after surgery was the fulfillment of his promise. 

“It was a lot of feelings coming together,” he said. “The fact that I could see her new look…those were tears of joy.” 

When news of Charity’s successful surgery and homecoming got to her village, the entire community gathered to welcome her.

“Everyone was happy for me,” Charity said. “My children, husband, and my entire family said God has done a miraculous work in my life.” 

Unburdened and Unhidden  

It has been seven years since Charity’s surgery, and life has improved for many in the family. Charity is able to go out without fear, and her daughter was able to return to school. Sylvester continues to keep in touch with the family as well.

“Initially, when I saw her in town, she would cover her tumor with a piece of cloth because she didn’t want people to look at her. People called her a witch,” he recounted. “The fact that someone who hid herself from the public and now she’s in the public domain…I am really grateful that Mercy Ship was able to offer this to her.” 

Today, Charity attends community gatherings and participates in communal activities. She serves at church wholeheartedly, her way of expressing gratitude for the healing she received.  

“As grace delivered me, I would like to show and appreciate the work of God,” she rejoiced. 

Mercy Ships Arrives in Ghana  

In August 2026, Mercy Ships will return to Ghana after nearly two decades. The Global Mercy is committed to a 10-month mission bringing hope and healing through free surgeries and medical professional training. Charity is not only happy to welcome the hospital ship to her country, but relieved that many patients, many who have waited many years as she did, will soon receive surgery. She hopes to become an ambassador, showing people what is possible through surgery. 

“When I see people who are sick, I will go to them and encourage them,” she said. “There is hope and assurance that they would be healed, and their hearts’ desires will come to pass.”