First Lady calls for greater investment in health and women’s empowerment

Story by: Regina Bless

The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Her Excellency Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama, has called on African leaders and global partners to increase investments in healthcare, education and women’s economic empowerment to advance sustainable development across the continent.

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

The event, themed “A Legacy of Leadership: Delivering for Women and Girls,” brought together African First Ladies and a First Gentleman to reflect on OAFLAD’s achievements over the past 25 years and discuss the organisation’s strategic priorities for the next quarter-century.

Mrs. Mahama recalled that OAFLAD was established nearly 25 years ago at a critical time when the HIV and AIDS pandemic required bold and coordinated leadership across Africa. She noted that the same spirit of collective action remains essential in addressing the challenges facing women and children today.

The First Lady called for resilient healthcare systems capable of reaching every mother and child, with maternal healthcare integrated with HIV prevention, early screening, nutrition and other essential services.

She stressed that improving healthcare alone would not be enough to create lasting change, emphasising the importance of education, economic empowerment and gender equity.

“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.”

Mrs. Mahama further highlighted the far-reaching impact of empowering women and protecting girls, noting that healthier mothers, educated young girls and economically empowered women contribute to stronger families, communities and national economies.

Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment, she said the country continues to prioritise maternal healthcare, youth empowerment and gender equity within its national development agenda, with the aim of ensuring that no woman or child is left behind.

She also urged her fellow First Ladies to leverage OAFLAD’s collective influence and strengthen partnerships with governments, development organisations and other global stakeholders.

Mrs. Mahama maintained that access to quality healthcare, dignity and economic opportunity should be treated as fundamental rights for women and children across Africa rather than privileges available to only a few.