Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Dramani Mahama, announces expanded health, education, and women’s economic empowerment initiatives at the 30th OAFLAD General Assembly in Addis Ababa.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – February 15, 2026
Ghana’s First Lady, , has outlined renewed commitments to expand healthcare access, strengthen girls’ education, and deepen economic empowerment initiatives for women across the country.
She delivered the address on Sunday at the 30th General Assembly of the in , Ethiopia.
The Assembly was held under the theme Building Resilience for Women and Children: Climate, Conflict, and Sustainable Futures, bringing together African First Ladies and development partners to examine policy responses to vulnerability across the continent.
Health Identified as National Priority
Mrs. Mahama described healthcare as the cornerstone of family and national strength, stating that her office will intensify interventions in three key areas beginning 2026.
Through the , nationwide free medical screenings have been conducted for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, breast conditions, eye conditions, and prenatal care.
In partnership with the , outreach programmes have supported communities in the Greater Accra and Bono regions, combining testing with treatment support and counselling to reduce HIV stigma.
The foundation has also constructed and upgraded maternal and child health facilities at:
- Bole District Hospital
- Nkoranza Municipal Hospital
- Bodom Health Centre
Another facility in the Oti Region is nearing completion.
In addition, the Hohoe Adabraka Health Centre has undergone renovation and expansion. Essential medical equipment including hospital beds, incubators, ultrasound machines, and phototherapy units have been distributed to selected facilities nationwide.
Mrs. Mahama further referenced Ghana’s hosting of the ICASA Conference in Accra in December 2025, where discussions with UN agencies focused on eliminating mother-to-child HIV transmission.
Looking ahead, she announced plans to expand services into hard-to-reach communities, strengthen training for local health leaders, and increase support through the Ghana Medical Child Fund to assist uninsured patients.
“When women and children are healthy, families are stronger, and nations prosper,” she stated.
Renewed Focus on Girls’ Education
On education, the First Lady reaffirmed her scholarship support for academically gifted but financially disadvantaged students.
A recent collaboration with the led to the launch of the Education Linda Scholarship Programme. The initiative currently supports 40 junior high school girls with school fees, uniforms, and learning materials.
Mrs. Mahama described education as a foundation for leadership and long-term national development.
Economic Empowerment and SME Support
The Foundation continues to equip trained female artisans such as hairdressers and dressmakers with working tools to establish sustainable livelihoods.
In 2026, it plans to expand support to small and medium enterprises, aligning with Ghana’s 24-hour economy policy and the proposed Women’s Development Bank.
Community-based training programmes will include beading, hairdressing, digital literacy, and technology skills to improve women’s participation in emerging sectors.
“When we empower a woman economically, we empower an entire family and uplift a whole community,” she noted.
Continental Collaboration
Aligning with OAFLAD’s resilience agenda, Mrs. Mahama pledged sustained collaboration with African partners to scale interventions beyond national borders.
The 30th General Assembly of focused on translating policy dialogue into measurable action, particularly in areas affected by climate vulnerability, conflict, and economic instability.
Participants called for coordinated African-led solutions that address the structural barriers confronting women and children.
Mrs. Mahama concluded by reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to ensuring that no woman or child is left behind.
