By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
As world leaders converge in New York for the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), President John Dramani Mahama has placed Africa’s health sovereignty at the center of discussions on the continent’s future.
On Monday, ahead of the official opening of the General Debate, President Mahama joined fellow African heads of state and government at a high-level meeting organized by the Africa CDC under the theme: “Securing Africa’s Health Sovereignty: Political Leadership for Sustainable Health Financing, Local Manufacturing, and Pandemic Preparedness.”
Speaking at the session, the President underscored that investing in health must be regarded as a national priority rather than a burden. “Health is not a cost. It is the engine of productivity and the foundation of sovereignty,” he stated.
Mr. Mahama is also expected to host a major side event on Tuesday at 8:00 pm, themed “The Accra Reset: Reimagining Global Governance for Health and Development,” which will explore strategies to reform global health systems in favor of equity and resilience.
Africa’s current agenda, he stressed, is focused on scaling up local vaccine production, securing sustainable financing for healthcare, and preparing adequately for future pandemics.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s First Lady, Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama, added her voice to the global call for protecting the next generation. Participating in the annual UNGA prayer service for peace and children, she urged the international community to act decisively in safeguarding children’s welfare.
“Through prayer and decisive leadership, we can create a world where every child is protected and empowered to achieve their full potential,” she said.
“My heart was heavy, yet filled with hope, as I joined leaders and faith partners for the annual prayer service for peace and the well-being of children on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. The challenges our children face today are immense. From conflict zones to a lack of basic opportunities, they weigh heavily on my mind.
I re-echoed the urgent call for all to stand united in creating a world where every child is protected and empowered. These are precious lives destroyed by circumstances beyond their control. We must act decisively to ensure they don’t lose their homes, their dreams, or carry emotional scars forever.
This cause is deeply personal to me, and it is the very essence of the Lordina Foundation’s mission to uplift and empower the vulnerable, particularly orphans and children in need, giving them a chance at a brighter future.
With support and collaboration, we can expand these efforts to impact lives globally. May our prayers manifest into tangible change for every precious child, everywhere.”
In her closing prayer, she lifted up the needy and orphaned children of Ghana and beyond, asking for divine provision, protection, and opportunities for a brighter tomorrow.
Later, in a Facebook post responding to the First Lady’s message, President Mahama wrote:
“Our children deserve better. Through deliberate policies and the right leadership, I promise to build a Ghana that creates opportunities for our children. Thank you, Lordina.”
Their combined messages reinforced the wider theme of this year’s Assembly: that global leaders must unite in both action and compassion to create a safer, healthier, and more inclusive world.
