The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has honoured First Lady Lordina Mahama as its Ambassador in recognition of her decade-long humanitarian impact through the Lordina Foundation.The honour was jointly conferred by Dr Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer of the Merck Foundation, and Professor Dr Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, during the Merck Foundation Ghana Alumni Summit 2026. The event took place at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra on May 19.Dr Kelej said Mrs Mahama’s work has transformed thousands of lives across Ghana, particularly through interventions in education, healthcare support, and the economic empowerment of women in deprived communities.She noted that through the Lordina Foundation, a long-standing partner of the Merck Foundation, Mrs Mahama has supported medical training scholarships for Ghanaian doctors, enabling them to specialise and improve healthcare delivery in the country.She also highlighted initiatives such as the “More Than a Mother” campaign and the “Educating Linda” programme, which have promoted girls’ education, tackled child marriage, and helped lift families out of poverty.The First Lady was further commended for her role in supporting the annual Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards, which encourage journalists across Africa and Asia to highlight issues such as infertility stigma and women’s empowerment.In her response, Mrs Mahama expressed appreciation for the partnership, noting that the Foundation has helped train 40 Ghanaian medical professionals who are now delivering specialised care, while also supporting over 110 individuals through creative arts and ICT training.She said she finds deep fulfilment in the testimonies of beneficiaries of the Merck Foundation 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.”Mrs Mahama also reaffirmed her commitment to the partnership, commending the Merck Foundation for its continued support since the collaboration began.“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. “This reflects the vision of our government under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama,” she added.