In appreciation of Mrs Lordina Mahama’s longstanding humanitarian contributions through the Lordina Foundation, the Merck Foundation, the charitable arm of Merck KGaA, Germany, has appointed her as its Ambassador in Ghana.
At the Merck Foundation Ghana Alumni Summit 2026, which took place at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra on Tuesday, May 19, Dr Rasha Kelej (Ret.), Chief Executive Officer of the Merck Foundation, and Prof. Dr Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees and Senator, jointly presented the award.
Dr Rasha Kelej (Ret.) commended Mrs Mahama’s humanitarian efforts in her remarks, pointing out that her programs have improved the lives of thousands of people throughout Ghana by empowering women economically and providing healthcare and education to vulnerable populations, especially in underprivileged areas.
According to her, the Lordina Foundation has maintained a strong partnership with the Merck Foundation, through which medical scholarships have been awarded to Ghanaian doctors to support specialisation and improve access to quality healthcare nationwide.
She noted that programmes like “More Than a Mother,” “Educating Linda,” and anti-child marriage initiatives have improved the lives of many families and expanded opportunities for disadvantaged children.
Mrs Kelej also commended the First Lady’s support for the Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards, which empower journalists to address issues such as infertility stigma and women’s empowerment.
In her remarks, the First Lady said her foundation is helping shape future leaders by offering scholarships to 40 Ghanaian medical professionals and providing creative arts and ICT training to more than 110 beneficiaries.
After hearing testimony from Merck Foundation alumni, she expressed gratitude, saying that their success stories strengthened her resolve to keep spreading awareness of their influence.
“My heart is truly grateful as I listened to the testimonies of Merck Foundation Alumni. Their achievements offer hope that with dedication, no one can be left behind,” she said.
Mrs Mahama further noted that the impact of such interventions goes beyond education and healthcare, touching lives at the community level and creating opportunities for women, children, and aspiring professionals.
“It’s about a doctor who returned home to save lives. It’s about journalists who write with an understanding of maternal health. It’s about the scholarship recipient who now sees herself as a future leader,” she added.
She said the initiatives align with the broader national vision of development under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama.
