Lordina Dramani Mahama has been honoured by Merck Foundation for her decade-long contribution to healthcare, education and women’s empowerment through the Lordina Foundation.
The recognition, presented during the Merck Foundation Ghana Alumni Summit 2026 at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, named the First Lady as a Merck Foundation Ambassador in acknowledgment of her humanitarian impact across Ghana.
The award was jointly presented by Rasha Kelej and Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp.
Speaking at the event, Dr Kelej praised Mrs Mahama for championing initiatives that had improved access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities for vulnerable people, especially women and children in deprived communities.
According to the Foundation, the Lordina Foundation has collaborated with Merck Foundation over the years to provide medical training scholarships for Ghanaian doctors, helping to strengthen specialised healthcare delivery in the country.
Mrs Mahama was also recognised for supporting girls’ education through initiatives such as the “More Than a Mother” campaign and the “Educating Linda” programme, as well as advocating against child marriage and social exclusion.
The Foundation further commended her support for the annual Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards, which encourage journalists across Africa and Asia to raise awareness on infertility stigma, women’s empowerment and maternal health issues.
In her acceptance remarks, Mrs Mahama highlighted the impact of the partnership, revealing that 40 Ghanaian medical professionals had benefited from scholarships under the programme and were now delivering specialised healthcare services nationwide.
She added that more than 110 individuals had also received training in creative arts and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) through various empowerment initiatives.
“My heart is truly grateful as I listen to the testimonies of the Merck Foundation Alumni. Their achievements offer hope that, with dedication, no one will be left behind,” she said.
The First Lady noted that the initiatives were designed to improve lives at the community level, whether through healthcare support, education or economic empowerment.
“Whether it is a grandmother in a village in need of healthcare, a young girl dreaming of a classroom, or a woman seeking financial independence, our mission is to serve their dream for a better life,” she stated.
Mrs Mahama also reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Merck Foundation, describing the partnership as one that continues to create opportunities and inspire hope for future generations.
She said the success stories emerging from the programme aligned with the broader national development vision of the government under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama.
