The First Lady of Ghana, Her Excellency Mrs Lordina Dramani Mahama, has called for greater focus on the empowerment of African women and girls, saying investments in their health, education and economic opportunities can have far-reaching benefits for communities and national development.
She made the call at a high-level Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) event in New York, where African First Ladies and a First Gentleman gathered to discuss the organisation’s future direction.
The event, held at the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice, was themed “A Legacy of Leadership: Delivering for Women and Girls.”
During the “Passing the Baton” session, Mrs Mahama reflected on OAFLAD’s journey over nearly 25 years and its origins during the HIV and AIDS crisis.
She said the organisation’s history demonstrated the importance of African leadership and collective action in addressing challenges affecting women and children.
The First Lady argued that improving women’s lives requires a holistic approach that goes beyond healthcare.
“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,” she said.
She therefore urged African leaders and development partners to invest simultaneously in healthcare, education, economic empowerment and gender equality.
Mrs Mahama also stressed the importance of creating healthcare systems that combine maternal care with HIV prevention, early screening, nutrition and other essential services.
She reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to integrating maternal healthcare, youth empowerment and gender equity into the country’s national development agenda.
The First Lady called on OAFLAD members to leverage their collective influence and deepen partnerships with international stakeholders to expand access to healthcare, dignity and economic opportunities for women and children across Africa.
