The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has honoured the First Lady, Lordina Dramani Mahama, as its Ambassador in recognition of her impact over the past decade through the Lordina Foundation.
The recognition was jointly presented by Dr Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation, and Professor Dr Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, during the Merck Foundation Ghana Alumni Summit 2026. The event was held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra on Tuesday, May 19.
In her remarks, Dr Rasha Kelej stated that Mrs Mahama’s humanitarian work has transformed the lives of thousands across the country. These efforts include providing education and health support services to vulnerable people in deprived communities, as well as financial empowerment for women.
Through her philanthropic organisation, the Lordina Foundation, a long-standing partner of the Merck Foundation, Mrs Mahama has supported medical training scholarships for Ghanaian doctors, helping them become specialised healthcare professionals.
By supporting girls’ education through initiatives such as the “More Than a Mother” campaign and the “Educating Linda” programme, and by actively fighting child marriage, she has helped lift several families out of poverty and created brighter opportunities for children.
The First Lady was also commended for her support of the annual Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards, which aim to empower journalists across Africa and Asia to raise awareness on issues such as infertility stigma and women’s empowerment.
In her response, Mrs Mahama noted that the foundation has invested in the training of future leaders by providing scholarships to 40 Ghanaian medical professionals who are now offering specialised care to patients. She added that over 110 people have also benefited from creative arts and ICT training programmes.
“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 also acknowledged the collaboration with Merck Foundation and reaffirmed her commitment to the partnership, adding that the initiative aligns with the vision of the government under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama.
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