The life of a First Lady-Focus on Lordina Mahama


The position of a First Lady, has been assumed by many as sensitive and requires a lot. Society therefore tend to have high expectations of the First Lady. 

These expectations challenge most First Ladies to adopt programs or initiatives that seek the welfare of particularly women and children. Lordina Mahama, is one such First Lady. 

Radio Ghana's Yvonne Atilego, who worked closely with her describes the experience as tiring yet adventurous, challenging and fun. 

In this special report, Yvonne explores her coverage of the First Lady, her activities and what legacy she is leaving behind.

For many the office of the First Lady is an auxiliary office without a specific role in the governance process. 

However, the stakes are high for that office following the many initiatives rolled out by former First Lady,Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings. 

An example being the  31st December Women's movement which empowered many women not only economically but to be independent and take their place as women of substance in society. 

Having set the pace, Former First Lady Theresa Kufuor, also made some inpact in the area of support for Orphans and widows. 

For the First Lady Lordina Mahama, she has used her office to champion the cause of the less privileged and vulnerable in society. 

Since her assumption to office, the First Lady, has adopted seven orphanages across the country and has consistently over the years donated items and cash to these orphanages.

The famous Gambaga witches camp and a host of others were not been left out. 

Those  who have visited this home can tell of its deplorable state. 

When she learnt of their  predicament, she quickly visited the camp for first hand information. The initial visit to the camp was an emotional one as the first Lady broke down in tears. The conditions there were inhuman and she vowed to make life better for them.

Of all her many outreach programs, critical among them is the donation of medical items to  more than 150 hospitals and health centres across the country .

To many,First Lady Lordina Mahama has raised the bar of the office of First Lady by setting very high standards in her outreach programs. 

But should it be a benchmark that all First Ladies should adopt a particular  policy or program? A governance expert Fred Awaah explains.

But do some other women share in Mr Awaahs view that First Ladies should do something to support the governance of their husbands and also reach out to the less privileged

From afar, Lordina Mahama, looks bubbly and very friendly but do those who work closely with her  see her as such? what do they make of her landmark social intervention programs?

For me as a reporter assigned to cover her activities, i have had rich experience coming into contact with her. 

She presents life in a simple form and extols the virtue of humility. 

Her sense of humour is appointed.
 
I can recall one time when she jokingly told her media team especially the ladies that she will donate part of her buttocks to those who had flat butts. This statement sent all of us laughing.  

This is my experience with her  but is it the same with my other colleagues?

Another emotional encounter was when she visited an Orphanage where she had adopted some of the children. 

First Lady Lordina could not control her tears when one of her adopted children appreciated her.

Indeed Lordina Mahama, is an emotional person though she looks tough from the outside. 

Her love for children is unmeasured. 

In the hearts of all these people First Lady Lordina Mahama will be missed. 

Her legacy of reaching out to the less  privileged in society will live on.

GBC