First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama, has thrown her weight behind the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD)’s Building Resilience campaign, declaring that Africa’s future depends on deliberate investment in women and girls.
Addressing the 30th Ordinary Assembly of OAFLAD in Addis Ababa, Mrs. Mahama said the continent cannot afford to treat women’s welfare as a secondary issue amid climate shocks, conflict and economic uncertainty.
“Building resilience for women and girls is not optional — it is urgent. When we protect and empower them, we secure the future of our nations,” she told fellow First Ladies.
The Assembly, held on the margins of the 39th African Union Summit, was under the theme “Building Resilience for Women and Girls: Climate, Conflict, and Sustainable Futures.”
Mrs. Mahama reaffirmed her full commitment to OAFLAD’s campaign, with a focus on access to healthcare, quality education and economic empowerment.
“When women and children are healthy, families are stronger and nations thrive. Health is the foundation upon which opportunity is built,” she stressed.
Highlighting the interventions of the Lordina Foundation, she noted that thousands of women, children and the elderly have benefited from free health screenings and treatment. She added that the Foundation has constructed three modern maternity and children’s wards at Bole District Hospital, Nkoranza Municipal Hospital and Bodom Health Centre, with another facility nearing completion at Asukawkaw.
“No woman should lose her life giving life. No child should be denied care because of poverty,” she said.
Looking ahead to 2026, the First Lady announced plans to scale up support for women-led small and medium-sized enterprises, in alignment with government initiatives such as the 24-Hour Economy policy and the Women’s Development Bank.
“When we empower a woman economically, we empower an entire family and uplift an entire community. Economic independence gives women a voice, dignity and choice,” she emphasized.
On education, Mrs. Mahama reaffirmed her backing for 40 underprivileged Junior High School girls under the Merck Foundation’s Educating Linda Scholarship Programme.
“Education unlocks potential. Every girl we support today becomes a leader, a change-maker and a nation-builder tomorrow,” she said.
The OAFLAD meeting provided a high-level platform for African First Ladies to exchange strategies and strengthen continental collaboration aimed at safeguarding women and girls in the face of mounting global challenges.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
