Woman’s value should not be defined by challenges — First Lady
The First Lady and President of Lordina Foundation, Lordina Dramani Mahama, has observed that in many communities, infertility is not just a medical condition, but a heavy social burden carried in silence.
She said that the “More Than a Mother” campaign was about breaking that silence.
“It is about telling every woman that her value is not defined by the challenges she faces, but by her humanity, strength, and spirit.”
“It is about the doctor who returned home to save lives outside Accra and the journalist who writes with an understanding of maternal health. It is also about the young "Linda" scholarship recipient who now sees herself as a future leader,” the First Lady added.
She was speaking at a Merck Foundation Ghana Alumni Summit 2026, and awards ceremony in Accra on Monday evening, where she was also installed as Ambassador of Merck Foundation’s “More than a Mother” campaign.
Merck Foundation has provided a total of 210 scholarships to Ghanaian doctors to undergo specialised postgraduate training and master's degrees in various critical and underserved medical disciplines.
Appeal
Mrs Mahama entreated the beneficiaries to stay and contribute their quota to the betterment of the country.
She said although the temptation to seek greener pastures abroad was strong, the country needed the knowledge and skills of its trained professionals.
“I'm not saying you should ignore the world, but I hope you'll remember that Ghana needs your light, your knowledge is a gift.
While it belongs to you, its greatest value lies in uplifting your neighbour. Let's stay, build together and give back to society,” the First Lady added.
Foundation
She recounted her own story behind her foundation, saying, “Many years ago, the Lordina Foundation was born out of a simple, quiet prayer: to be a source of comfort to the vulnerable.
“Whether it is a grandmother in a rural village needing health care, a young girl dreaming of a classroom, or a woman seeking financial independence, our mission is to be their bridge to a better life.”
Mrs Mahama said through health screening, facility renovations and economic empowerment initiatives, “we have sought to touch the very soul of our communities”.
She said the foundation’s journey became more impactful when it joined hands with the Merck Foundation.
Through the partnership, the Lordina Foundations has invested in physicians, providing scholarships to over 40 medical doctors in the country who are now bringing world-class, specialised care to doorsteps.
“Over 110 creative talents have been trained in the arts and ICT, and through the Educating Linda programme, we have enabled 40 young girls to know their dreams matter by supporting their fees, uniforms, and supplies”, she said.
Achievements
The Chairman of Merck Foundation, Professor Dr Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, said his outfit had achieved many important milestones in Ghana as a result of its partnership with the First Lady.
He said the foundation had provided 250 sentence formulations for local Ghanaian healthcare providers in 44 underserved and critical mental health specialities.
It had also made inroads in child health, pain management, obesity and weight management, respiratory care, rheumatology, neurology, neurosurgery, and infectious diseases, among others.
Dr Haverkamp said the foundation believed that empowering people across developing countries was important for social development.
For her part, the Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation, Rasha Kelej, praised all the award winners for their dedication and hard work.
She assured beneficiaries that the foundation would continue to support health care, education and community development programmes to improve lives across Africa.
