Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Dramani Mahama, has been recognised by Merck Foundation for her outstanding humanitarian interventions and long-standing commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable people across the country.

The honour was conferred on Mrs Mahama during the Merck Foundation Ghana Alumni Summit 2026 held at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City on Tuesday, where she was officially named a Merck Foundation Ambassador in recognition of the far-reaching impact of the Lordina Foundation over the past decade.

The recognition was jointly presented by Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, and Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees.

Speaking at the event, Dr Kelej praised the First Lady for her dedication to humanitarian causes, noting that her interventions had transformed thousands of lives, particularly among vulnerable groups in deprived communities.

According to her, the Lordina Foundation has over the years championed initiatives focused on education, healthcare support, women’s empowerment and economic inclusion, thereby improving living standards for many families across Ghana.

She highlighted the partnership between the Lordina Foundation and Merck Foundation, which has enabled several Ghanaian doctors to receive medical training scholarships and specialise in critical areas of healthcare delivery.

Dr Kelej further applauded Mrs Mahama’s support for girls’ education through initiatives such as the “More Than a Mother” campaign and the “Educating Linda” programme, as well as her advocacy against child marriage.

“These interventions have not only empowered young girls but have also helped many families break the cycle of poverty,” she stated.

The First Lady was equally commended for supporting the annual Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards, an initiative aimed at empowering journalists across Africa and Asia to use the media as a tool to address infertility stigma, women’s empowerment and maternal health issues.

Responding to the recognition, Mrs Mahama expressed gratitude to the Merck Foundation and reiterated her commitment to serving vulnerable communities through impactful social interventions.

She disclosed that the partnership between the two foundations has so far provided scholarships to 40 Ghanaian medical professionals, many of whom are now offering specialised healthcare services to patients across the country.

The First Lady also revealed that more than 110 people have benefited from creative arts and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training support under the initiative.

“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.

“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 added.

Mrs Mahama also acknowledged the role played by the Merck Foundation since the collaboration began and pledged her continued support for the partnership.

“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,” she stated.

She noted that the initiative aligns with the broader vision of the government under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama to improve lives through inclusive development and human-centred policies.

First Lady Honored for Humanitarian Work That Transformed Lives

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