Lordina Mahama: Healthcare, women’s empowerment key to Africa’s prosperity

First Lady, Lordina Dramani Mahama has called on African leaders and global partners to step up investments in healthcare, education and women’s economic empowerment to secure a more prosperous future for the continent.

Mrs Mahama made the call during the “Passing the Baton” session at a high-level Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) side event held at the Ford Foundation Centre for Social Justice in New York.

A statement issued by the Office of the First Lady said the event, themed “A Legacy of Leadership: Delivering for Women and Girls,” brought together African First Ladies and a First Gentleman to discuss the strategic direction of the organisation for its next quarter.

Mrs Mahama reflected on OAFLAD’s 25-year journey, recalling that the organisation was established at a critical juncture when the HIV and AIDS pandemic demanded bold and unified African leadership.

She said that spirit of collective leadership remains vital as the continent works to address persistent challenges facing women and children.

The First Lady emphasised the need to build resilient healthcare systems capable of reaching every mother and child, integrating maternal care with HIV prevention, early screening, nutrition and other essential lifesaving services.

She stressed that improvements in healthcare must be supported by broader socio-economic interventions.

“Health cannot be addressed in isolation. Education, women’s economic empowerment, and gender equity are essential to creating healthier families, stronger communities, and more prosperous nations.”

“When a mother is healthy, when a young girl is shielded from harm and kept in school, and when a woman is empowered to build her own livelihood, the transformative ripple effects lift entire communities and drive national prosperity.”

Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to these principles, Mrs Mahama said the country remained committed to embedding maternal healthcare, youth empowerment and gender equity into its national development agenda to ensure no woman or child is left behind.

She urged her counterparts to leverage OAFLAD’s collective influence and strengthen global partnerships to advance these priorities.

Mrs Mahama added that access to quality healthcare, dignity and economic opportunity must no longer be viewed as privileges for a few, but as guaranteed rights for every woman and child across Africa.

Source: GNA