The First Lady of Ghana and President of the Lordina Foundation, Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama, has commended the Merck Foundation for its outstanding contribution to strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system through its medical training initiatives.
Speaking at the opening session of the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit 2025, Mrs. Mahama praised the foundation’s impact in Ghana and across the African continent.
“I am grateful to the Merck Foundation for its strong commitment to strengthening healthcare systems and empowering individuals,” she said, acknowledging the foundation’s 13 years of transformative work across Africa and Asia.
She highlighted the foundation’s scholarship programme, which has provided over 2,000 scholarships to young doctors from 52 countries. Ghana has notably benefited from this initiative, with 210 Ghanaian doctors among the recipients.
“I am especially proud that two hundred and ten Ghanaian doctors are among the beneficiaries,” she announced, adding, “I celebrate your dedication and the care you bring to countless families back home.”
The First Lady also spotlighted the foundation’s “More Than a Mother” campaign, which tackles issues such as infertility stigma and reproductive health. As Ambassadors of the campaign, First Ladies across Africa play a vital role in advocating for women’s health and rights.
“Progress is possible when public and private partners unite,” Mrs. Mahama said, expressing the Lordina Foundation’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Merck Foundation. “Together, we can enhance our activities in health and education and combat stigma across Ghana.”
In concluding her address, Mrs. Mahama underscored the broader vision of the collaboration: “We will continue to write stories of hope and transformation across our nations.”
The summit brought together First Ladies, health experts, and policy leaders from across Africa and beyond, focusing on sustainable solutions to public health challenges on the continent.
