The First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has reaffirmed her commitment to advancing health, education and economic empowerment for women and girls across Africa.

Addressing the 30th General Assembly of the OAFLAD on the sidelines of the African Union Summit, Mrs. Mahama spoke on the theme “Building Resilience for Women and Girls: Climate, Conflict, and Sustainable Futures.” She outlined key interventions by the Lordina Foundation and pledged to deepen partnerships to improve outcomes for vulnerable communities.

Expanding Access to Healthcare

Mrs. Mahama described healthcare access as the cornerstone of the Foundation’s work, noting that it continues to provide free nationwide screening, examination, counselling and treatment for underserved communities.

In collaboration with the Ghana AIDS Commission, the Foundation conducted comprehensive health screenings in Greater Accra and the Bono Region. Services included HIV testing and counselling, syphilis and hepatitis B screening, prenatal education, safe delivery guidance, breast and eye screening, as well as general medical check-ups and treatment.

“Lives have been saved, and we continue to combat stigma, especially towards people living with HIV and AIDS, by promoting compassion and support,” she said.

Since 2024, the Foundation has also organised quarterly free health screenings for retired pastors and their spouses, providing medication and support to address health and financial challenges in retirement.

Infrastructure support remains a major focus. The Foundation has constructed three modern maternity and children’s wards at Borley District Hospital, Frensham Municipal Hospital and Bodum Health Centre, with another facility near completion at Etukoko. It has also renovated health facilities and donated critical equipment, including hospital beds, incubators, ultrasound machines and phototherapy units nationwide.

Looking ahead, Mrs. Mahama said the Foundation will expand interventions to hard-to-reach communities and collaborate with the Ghana Medical Child Fund to finance treatments not covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme.

“Good health is the foundation. When women and children are healthy, families are stronger and nations prosper,” she emphasised.

Investing in Education

On education, the First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to supporting brilliant but underprivileged students through scholarships.

The Foundation recently partnered with the MEC Foundation to launch the Education Lender Scholarship Programme, currently supporting 40 underprivileged junior high school girls with uniforms, stationery and other educational expenses.

“Education unlocks potential. Every girl we support becomes a leader, change-maker and nation-builder,” she said.

Empowering Women Economically

Mrs. Mahama also highlighted ongoing efforts to promote women’s economic empowerment by supporting hairdressers, dressmakers and other female entrepreneurs with tools and equipment after skills training.

In 2026, her office will intensify support for women in small and medium-scale enterprises, aligning with government initiatives such as the proposed 24-hour economy and the Women’s Development Bank.

“We will collaborate to ensure that women and girls receive the capital support they need,” she noted.

Community programmes will also incorporate practical skills training in beading, hairdressing and technology, equipping women to tap into digital income opportunities.

“When we empower a woman economically, we empower an entire family and uplift a whole community,” she added.

Commitment to Building Resilience

Mrs. Mahama pledged her full support to OAFLAD’s resilience campaign, particularly in improving access to quality healthcare for women and children across Africa.

“I invite all partners, institutions and friends to join this journey. Let us build stronger health systems that protect women and children and give them hope,” she urged.

She expressed gratitude to OAFLAD and its partners for their continued efforts to make the world safer and better for women, children and families, reaffirming her office’s commitment as “a true and active partner” in advancing sustainable futures for women and girls.