Ghana’s First Lady, Mrs Lordina Dramani Mahama, called on African governments and international partners to increase investment in healthcare, education and women’s economic empowerment, saying stronger social systems are essential to the continent’s long-term economic prosperity.
Speaking at the “Passing the Baton” session of a high-level Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) side event in New York, she said Africa needs resilient healthcare systems alongside greater opportunities for women and girls to participate in education and economic activity.
The event, held at the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice under the theme “A Legacy of Leadership: Delivering for Women and Girls,” brought together African First Ladies and a First Gentleman to discuss the future direction of OAFLAD as the organisation looks beyond its first 25 years.
Madam Lordina said healthcare policy should extend beyond treatment to address maternal health, HIV prevention, early screening and nutrition, particularly for mothers and children.
“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,” she said.
Her comments place women’s health and economic participation within a broader development framework, linking investment in social services to household welfare, community resilience and national economic performance.
According to the first lady, improvements in healthcare must be accompanied by policies that enable girls to remain in school and women to develop sustainable livelihoods.
“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,” she said.
She urged African leaders to build healthcare systems capable of reaching every mother and child while integrating maternal services with other essential interventions, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to incorporating maternal healthcare, youth empowerment and gender equity into its national development agenda.
Madam Lordina recalled that OAFLAD was established almost 25 years ago at a time when the HIV and AIDS pandemic required coordinated African leadership.
She said the need for collective action remains relevant as African countries confront continuing challenges affecting women and children.
The First Lady urged OAFLAD members to use their collective influence to strengthen partnerships with governments, international organisations and other global stakeholders.
According to her, access to quality healthcare, dignity and economic opportunity should be treated as rights for women and children across Africa rather than benefits available only to a minority.
