In a vibrant ceremony marking exactly one year since her initial appeal, the First Lady, Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama, has been enstooled as the Nkosuohemaa (Development
Queenmother) of the Akroso Asukawkaw Traditional Area.
Under the stool name Nana Oseadeeyo Odamewaa II, the title was conferred upon her by the Paramount Chief, Nana Odam Gyamfi III, in recognition of her "relentless efforts" to revolutionize maternal and child healthcare in the Oti Region. The enstoolment coincided with the official commissioning of an ultra-modern maternity and children’s ward built by the Lordina Foundation.
1. The Asukawkaw Facility: A Technical Overview
The new facility is the fourth major health infrastructure project completed by the Lordina Foundation, following successful builds in Bole, Nkoranza, and Bodom.
Key Units within the Ward:
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Surgical Excellence: A fully equipped operating theatre and sterilization room.
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Neonatal Care: A specialized Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to support premature and critically ill newborns.
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Diagnostic Tools: Equipped with Ultrasound systems, ECG machines, and patient monitors.
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Sustainability: Integrated solar panels provide emergency lighting and reduce operational electricity costs—a critical feature for the 2026 "Green Healthcare" transition.
2. Addressing the "Quiet Cries for Help"
The project was triggered by an urgent appeal made by the Paramount Chief on March 2, 2025. Mrs. Mahama noted that the design of the facility was specifically tailored to ensure that dignity in childbirth is a right, not a privilege.
"No woman should lose her life while giving birth to life. No child should begin their journey without care. No community should be left behind." — Nana Oseadeeyo Odamewaa II (Lordina Mahama)
Essential Equipment Provided: | Category | Items Included | | :--- | :--- | | Emergency | Oxygen support systems, ECG machines | | Maternal | Caesarean and delivery sets, electric beds | | Newborn | Infant incubators, phototherapy machines | | Logistics | Ultrasound systems, cabinets, cleaning supplies |
3. The Foundation’s Expanding Footprint
The Lordina Foundation's humanitarian mission has shifted toward building resilient health systems rather than just physical buildings. To date, the Foundation has:
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Constructed 4 new modern wards (Bole, Nkoranza, Bodom, Asukawkaw).
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Renovated & Expanded existing clinics in Hohoe and Adabraka.
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Partnered with global entities like OAFLAD and the Merck Foundation to bring specialized care to the elderly and vulnerable girls.
4. Traditional Recognition of Development
Nana Odam Gyamfi III reiterated that the enstoolment was not merely honorary but a binding recognition of the First Lady’s impact. He noted that the provision of the ward addresses the "growing health need" of the Akroso Asukawkaw people, who previously had to travel long distances for specialized maternal care.
The Bottom Line
As Ghana pushes toward its 2030 health goals, the commissioning of the Asukawkaw facility serves as a blueprint for how First Lady-led foundations can complement government efforts. By integrating solar energy and high-tech NICU equipment into rural areas, Mrs. Mahama is ensuring that the "Reset" in healthcare reaches the most remote corners of the Oti Region.
