Healthcare and Women's Empowerment Are Imperatives for Africa's Prosperity- Lordina Mahama

First Lady Lordina Dramani Mahama has called on African leaders and global development partners to intensify investments in healthcare, education and women’s economic empowerment as key drivers of a more prosperous and resilient Africa.

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

The event, held under the theme “A Legacy of Leadership: Delivering for Women and Girls,” brought together African First Ladies and a First Gentleman to discuss the strategic direction of OAFLAD as the organisation looks towards its next 25 years.

According to a statement from the Office of the First Lady, Mrs Mahama reflected on OAFLAD’s 25-year journey, noting that the organisation was established at a critical period when the HIV and AIDS pandemic required bold and coordinated leadership across Africa.

She said the spirit of collective action and collaborative leadership remains essential as African countries continue to confront complex challenges affecting women and children.

Mrs Mahama emphasised the need to build resilient and inclusive healthcare systems capable of reaching every mother and child. She advocated for the integration of maternal healthcare with HIV prevention, early screening, nutrition and other essential life-saving services.

She stressed, however, that improvements in healthcare must be accompanied 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.”

She added:

“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 priorities, Mrs Mahama said the country remains focused on integrating maternal healthcare, youth empowerment and gender equity into its national development framework.

She said the approach is intended to ensure that women and children are not left behind in Ghana’s development efforts.

The First Lady also urged her counterparts to use OAFLAD’s collective influence to strengthen global partnerships and advance shared priorities concerning women, girls and children across Africa.

Mrs Mahama further argued that access to quality healthcare, dignity and economic opportunities should not be treated as privileges available only to a few.

She called for these opportunities to be recognised and advanced as fundamental rights for women and children across the African continent.