The Merck Foundation has officially launched its Educating Linda programme in Ghana in partnership with the First Lady of Ghana and Ambassador of the "Merck Foundation More Than a Mother" campaign, Lordina Dramani Mahama, to support girl education in the country.
As part of the initiative, the Foundation is providing annual scholarships to 40 high-performing yet underprivileged Ghanaian schoolgirls until they finish their education.
The launch also included the announcement of the First Lady as the Ambassador of the "More Than a Mother" campaign, aimed at building healthcare capacity, breaking infertility stigma, and supporting girl education.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Merck Foundation and President of the "More Than a Mother" campaign, Senator Dr Rasha Kelej, expressed her delight at meeting the First Lady, whom she described as a long-term partner and dear sister. "Our aim is to ensure that financial challenges never stand in the way of their dreams and potential. We strongly believe that educating a girl empowers not only her, but also her family, community, and future generations," she said.
The First Lady, Mrs Mahama, expressed her gratitude to the Foundation, noting that the programme is very close to her heart. "I am very happy to welcome the Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO to our country. We officially launched the Merck Foundation Educating Linda program, through which we are providing annual scholarships to our 40 deserving schoolgirls to support their education until they graduate. This program is very close to my heart, as I strongly believe that educating girls contributes significantly to the social and economic development of our nation," she stated.
During the programme, the Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, alongside the First Lady, met and encouraged the beneficiaries and their parents to hear directly about the impact the scholarships have had on their lives.
The Foundation, in collaboration with the First Lady, has also provided 257 scholarships for Ghanaian healthcare providers in 44 critical and underserved specialties, including Fertility, Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Care, Oncology, Cancer Care, and more. Furthermore, the Foundation conducted its Alumni Summit 2026 and recognised the Merck Foundation Awards Winners of 2024 and 2025.
The Educating Linda programme, implemented in partnership with African First Ladies, has provided more than 1,500 annual scholarships for schoolgirls across 21 African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Zambia, while also ensuring thousands of schoolgirls receive essential school supplies.
Dr Kelej emphasised the broader impact of the initiative. "When a girl is educated, entire nation is empowered. Educated girls grow into empowered women, who drive prosperity, strengthen families, and advance nations. That is the vision behind everything we do: Girl Education today for Women Empowerment tomorrow," she said.
The partnership has also seen the launch of seven children's storybooks addressing critical social and health issues, as well as annual awards for best media, film, fashion designs, and songs, with 127 winners from Ghana celebrated so far. Additionally, an online Health Media Training Programme has been conducted to equip Ghanaian journalists to report responsibly on sensitive subjects including infertility, child marriage, and gender-based violence.
