Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Dramani Mahama, has received international recognition from the Merck Foundation for her outstanding humanitarian and empowerment initiatives implemented through the Lordina Foundation over the past decade.
The recognition was conferred during the Merck Foundation Ghana Alumni Summit 2026 held at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City on Tuesday, May 19.
The award was jointly presented by Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation, and Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the foundation.
Speaking at the event, Dr Kelej commended Mrs Mahama for her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable people, especially women and children in deprived communities.
“Mrs Mahama’s humanitarian work has transformed the lives of thousands across the country through education support, healthcare interventions, and women’s economic empowerment programmes,” she stated.
She noted that through the Lordina Foundation’s partnership with Merck Foundation, several Ghanaian doctors had benefited from medical scholarships to specialise in critical healthcare areas.
Dr Kelej further praised the First Lady’s advocacy for girls’ education and her active role in fighting child marriage through initiatives such as the “More Than a Mother” campaign and the “Educating Linda” programme.
The Merck Foundation also recognised Mrs Mahama’s support for its annual Media Recognition Awards, which encourage journalists across Africa and Asia to promote awareness on infertility stigma, maternal health, and women’s empowerment.
Responding to the honour, Mrs Mahama expressed gratitude to the Merck Foundation for the recognition and reaffirmed her commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.
“My heart is truly grateful as I listen to the testimonies of the Merck Foundation Alumni. Their achievements offer hope that, with dedication, no one will be left behind,” she said.
According to the First Lady, the partnership between the Lordina Foundation and Merck Foundation has significantly contributed to strengthening healthcare delivery and youth empowerment in Ghana.
She disclosed that 40 Ghanaian medical professionals had so far benefited from scholarships under the initiative and are now providing specialised healthcare services across the country.
Mrs Mahama also revealed that more than 110 people had received training in creative arts and ICT to improve their livelihoods and create economic opportunities.
“Through health support, facility innovation, and economic empowerment initiatives, we have tried to reach the very heart of our communities. Whether it is a grandmother in a village in need of healthcare, a young girl dreaming of a classroom, or a woman seeking financial independence, our mission is to serve their dream for a better life,” she stated.
She further acknowledged the collaborative relationship between the two foundations and pledged her continued support for their shared vision.
“It’s about a doctor who returned home to save lives. It’s about the journalists who write with an understanding of maternal health. It’s about the scholarship recipient who now sees herself as a future leader.
This relates to the vision of our government under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama,” she added.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
