First Lady calls for holistic health and empowerment for African women at OAFLAD Summit in New York

The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Mrs Lordina Dramani Mahama, has called on African leaders and global partners to increase investments in healthcare, education and women’s economic empowerment to secure a healthier and more prosperous future for the continent.

Speaking during the “Passing the Baton” session at a high-level side event of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) in New York, Mrs Mahama reflected on the organisation’s nearly 25-year journey and called for renewed commitment to advancing the wellbeing of women and girls across Africa.

The event, held at the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice under the theme “A Legacy of Leadership: Delivering for Women and Girls,” brought together African First Ladies and a First Gentleman to discuss OAFLAD’s strategic direction for the next 25 years.

Building on OAFLAD’s Legacy

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

She said that spirit of collective action remains relevant as Africa confronts emerging and persistent challenges affecting the health, dignity and socioeconomic wellbeing of women and children.

Stronger and More Inclusive Healthcare Systems

The First Lady stressed the need for resilient healthcare systems capable of reaching every mother and child, particularly those in underserved communities.

She advocated an integrated approach to maternal healthcare that combines access to quality maternal services with HIV prevention, early screening, nutrition and other essential lifesaving interventions.

According to her, improving healthcare outcomes requires more than investment in medical facilities and services.

Empowering Women and Girls

Mrs Mahama said healthcare interventions must be complemented by education, economic empowerment and gender equity to achieve lasting improvements in the lives of women and families.

“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 added that empowering women and protecting girls could generate benefits that extend beyond individual families to entire communities and national economies.

“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.”

Ghana’s Commitment

Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to the principles, Mrs Mahama said the country remained focused on integrating maternal healthcare, youth empowerment and gender equity into its national development agenda.

She stressed the importance of ensuring that women and children are not left behind in national development efforts.

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

She said access to quality healthcare, dignity and economic opportunity should no longer be treated as privileges for a few, but as rights that must be guaranteed for every woman and child across Africa.

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