Ghana's First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has encouraged African First Ladies to intensify efforts in building healthier and more inclusive societies for national development.
She emphasised that Africa must aspire to greatness by uniting public and private partnerships, combining compassion with expertise, and ensuring that every life-no matter how remote or marginalised-can flourish.
Addressing the opening of the 2025 Merck Foundation Africa First Ladies Initiative Platform in Dubai on Wednesday, Mrs Mahama noted that the Merck Foundation Talent Programme had empowered 110 Ghanaian youth in fields such as music, ICT, filmmaking, and fashion, helping them to recognise their natural talents and pursue excellence. "I urge all of us to take this spirit home and increase our efforts to build healthier, more inclusive societies," she said.
The two-day summit marked the eighth anniversary of the Merck Foundation and the 13th anniversary of its development programmes, reflecting a legacy of impactful partnerships and support for vulnerable communities across Africa.
