First Lady Lordina Mahama calls for prayers and action to protect children globally

The First Lady of Ghana, Mrs. Lordina Mahama, has called on nations to remain steadfast in prayer and collective action to protect and empower children worldwide.

Speaking at the Seventh Annual Prayer Service for Children on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Mrs. Mahama stressed that prayer not only strengthens children facing adversity but also empowers parents and leaders to safeguard their well-being.

“When conflicts erupt, children are the ones who lose parents, siblings, homes, and dreams, and carry emotional scars that can last a lifetime,” she said, adding that the prayer service was a vital moment for reflection and divine intervention.

Organised by World Vision International in partnership with global faith-based and humanitarian organisations, the event was held at the Church Centre for the UN, Tillman Chapel, on the theme “A Moment of Hope.”

Mrs. Mahama urged world leaders to embrace wisdom and decisive leadership to address the immense challenges facing children, particularly those caught in conflicts and humanitarian crises. Quoting her husband, President John Dramani Mahama, she emphasised that children’s futures could be secured through courageous policy choices and leadership.

She noted that Africa, in particular, continues to see large numbers of children robbed of their childhood, forced into conflicts, and subjected to hardships beyond their control.

Drawing inspiration from the Bible, Mrs. Mahama highlighted that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” and reminded leaders of Jesus’ call to “let the little children come to me.” She prayed for children in Ghana and across the globe, especially the needy and orphaned, asking God to guide their paths with opportunities and surround them with love and kindness.

“We gather here from different nations and cultures, but we are united by our shared faith,” she said, affirming her gratitude to the organisers for their continued commitment to the world’s most vulnerable children.