Mrs Lordina Dramani Mahama, the First Lady, has been enstooled as the Nkosuohemaa (Development Queenmother) of the Akroso Asukawkaw Traditional Area in the Oti Region.

She was enstooled under the stool name, Nana Oseadeeyo Odamewaa II by Nana Odam Gyamfi III, the Paramount Chief of the Akroso Asukawkaw Traditional Area. 

The Paramount Chief conferred the honorary traditional title on her during the commission of an ultramodern maternity and children’s ward, which was put up by her Foundation, the Lordina Foundation. 

Nana Odam Gyamfi said the enstoolment was in recognition of the First Lady’s relentless efforts to bring effective and efficient health care delivery to the doorstep of the chiefs and people of the Akroso Asukawkaw Traditional Area. 

“We wish to reiterate our sincere appreciation to you and the Lordina Foundation for the provision of this facility for us,” he said. 

The new maternity and children’s ward at Asukawkaw was put up by the Lordina Foundation upon an appeal on March 2, 2025, by Nana Odam Gyamfi to help address the growing health need of the people. 

Mrs Mahama commended the chiefs and people of Akroso Asukawkaw Traditional Area for the honour done her. 

She said the new facility had been carefully designed to serve mothers and children with dignity and excellence.  

She noted that it included a reception and waiting area, a doctor’s office, nurses’ offices, a children’s ward and maternity ward, a fully equipped operating theatre, a delivery room, a sterilisation room, and a neonatal intensive care unit. 

The First Lady said the ward was also equipped with essential life-saving equipment, including electric beds, operating tables, infant incubators, ultrasound systems, caesarean and delivery sets, ECG (electrocardiogram) machines, phototherapy machines, patient monitors, oxygen support systems, and other equipment, adding that, it was also equipped with solar panels to provide emergency lighting and reduce electricity use. 

Mrs Mahama said the Foundation also provided furniture, waiting chairs, decks, cabinets, cleaning, and cleaning supplies to ensure this facility was ready to serve from day one. 

“The Asukawkaw facility is the fourth modern health facility completed by the Lordina Foundation. The first was in Bole, the second in Nkoranza, the third in Bodom, and now in Asukawkaw,” she said. 

The First Lady said the Foundation had also renovated and expanded the Hohoe and Adabraka Clinics. 

She said each facility reflected their belief that no woman should die while giving birth, and no child should begin life without proper care, simply because of where they were born.  

She said the Foundation believes that when a mother was safe, a nation was strong; adding that when a girl guides herself to healthcare, her future becomes limitless. 

“When communities come together to protect the vulnerable, hope comes alive. Our humanitarian mission remains clear, to make primary healthcare accessible to women, girls, and the elderly,” she said. 

Mrs Mahama said this year and beyond, the Foundation would continue to invest not only in facilities, but also in resilient health systems. 

She expressed her gratitude to their partners – OAFLAD (Organization of African First Ladies for Development), Meck Foundation, and many others who shared their vision of a healthier, more caring world.  

“As I stand here today, I remember the words in that email, the quiet cries for help, the urgent plea for dignity in childbirth.  

Nananom, no woman should lose her life while giving birth to life,” she said. 

“No child should begin their journey without care. No community should be left behind. Let this facility be more than a building. 

“Let this remind us that together with the government, traditional leaders, health workers, development partners, and communities, we can build a Ghana where every woman, every child, and every vulnerable person is protected and supported.” Mrs Mahama said.