Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has been recognised by Merck Foundation for her impactful humanitarian and empowerment initiatives carried out through the Lordina Foundation over the past decade.
The recognition was presented during the Merck Foundation Ghana Alumni Summit 2026 held at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City on Tuesday, May 19.
The honour was jointly conferred by Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation, and Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees.
Speaking at the event, Dr Kelej praised Mrs Mahama for her humanitarian efforts, which she said have transformed the lives of thousands of vulnerable people across Ghana through education support, healthcare initiatives and women’s empowerment programmes.
According to her, the Lordina Foundation, which has maintained a longstanding partnership with the Merck Foundation, has supported medical training scholarships for Ghanaian doctors, helping to develop specialised healthcare professionals in the country.
She also commended Mrs Mahama’s efforts in promoting girls’ education through initiatives such as the “More Than a Mother” campaign and the “Educating Linda” programme, as well as her advocacy against child marriage.
The First Lady was further recognised for supporting the annual Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards, which encourage journalists across Africa and Asia to raise awareness on issues including infertility stigma, maternal health and women’s empowerment.
Responding to the recognition, Mrs Mahama said the partnership with the Merck Foundation has contributed significantly to healthcare and youth empowerment in Ghana.
According to her, the foundation has helped provide scholarships to 40 Ghanaian medical professionals who are currently offering specialised healthcare services, while more than 110 beneficiaries have also received training in creative arts and ICT.
“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.
“Through health support, facility innovation and economic empowerment initiatives, we have tried to reach the very heart of our communities. 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 added.
Mrs Mahama also acknowledged the support and collaboration of the Merck Foundation over the years and pledged her continued commitment to working with the organisation.
“It’s about a doctor who returned home to save lives. It’s about the journalists who write with an understanding of maternal health. It’s about the scholarship recipient who now sees herself as a future leader. This relates to the vision of our government under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama,” she stated.
