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

The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Her Excellency Mrs Lordina Dramani Mahama, has called on African leaders and global development partners to intensify investments in healthcare, education and women’s economic empowerment to secure a prosperous future for 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, held under the theme “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 its strategic direction for the next quarter-century.

Mrs Mahama noted that OAFLAD was established nearly 25 years ago at a critical period when the HIV and AIDS pandemic required strong, coordinated and decisive African leadership.

She said the same spirit of collective action was needed today to address the health and socio-economic challenges facing women and children across the continent.

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

She, however, stressed that improvements in healthcare must be accompanied by investments in education, gender equity and women's economic empowerment.

“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,” she said.

Mrs Mahama further emphasised the wider benefits of investing in women and girls, noting that healthy mothers, educated girls and economically empowered women contribute significantly to stronger families and communities.