On 6 January, Lordina Mahama, First Lady of Ghana, was awarded a UNAIDS Certificate of Appreciation by UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé in recognition of her Presidency of the Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS and her commitment to, and leadership in, ending AIDS in Ghana.
On the same day, UNAIDS was formally accredited by the Government of Ghana through the signing of a Basic Cooperation Agreement by Hanna Tetteh, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ghana, and Mr Sidibé. The signing ceremony was followed by the inauguration of the UNAIDS country office in Accra by Mr Sidibé, attended by representatives of civil society and the private sector and United Nations partners.
During the mission, Mr Sidibé paid a courtesy call to the former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, and attended the inauguration of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
“I am very touched by the recognition of our work on HIV in Ghana and with the Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS. My commitment will continue beyond my role as a First Lady.”
Lordina Mahama former First Lady of Ghana
“This is a major milestone in the growing and strengthened relations between UNAIDS and the Government of Ghana.”
Hanna Tetteh Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ghana
“Ghana is an important leader in the response to end AIDS. President Mahama played a critical role in bringing the voice of the continent to the world and engaging with world leaders as a Commissioner of the UNAIDS and Lancet Commission: Defeating AIDS—Advancing Global Health. I am delighted that his legacy has placed Ghana as the Chair of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board and look forward to Ghana continuing its leadership role in the global HIV response.”
Michel Sidibé Executive Director, UNAIDS
