Lordina Mahama Joins Melania Trump to Protect Kids Online | Discuss Ghana

On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Ghana’s First Lady, Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama, addressed the "Fostering the Future Together" Global Coalition Summit in Washington, D.C. Invited by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, Mrs. Mahama joined leaders from over 45 nations to tackle the rising risks children face in the digital age.

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The Smartphone Paradox

Mrs. Mahama highlighted how technology has transformed the lives of Ghana's 15 million internet users, most of whom are young people:

The Opportunity: She noted that for this generation, a smartphone is a "classroom, a business platform, and a creative studio."

The Personal Touch: She shared how she received thousands of TikTok birthday wishes from young Ghanaians on Independence Day (March 6), showing the power of digital connection.

The Warning: However, she cautioned that without oversight, these tools become dangerous. She cited data showing that 1 in 5 cyberbullying victims skip school to avoid their abusers.

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Ghana’s "Safer Digital" Strategy

The First Lady outlined the concrete steps Ghana is taking under the "National Reset" to protect its youth:

Safer Digital Ghana: A nationwide campaign to boost awareness and curb online abuse.

Tech Partnerships: Ghana is working with giants like Meta and Google to improve content moderation and remove harmful material.

Digital Literacy: New school programmes are teaching children how to spot disinformation and report "sextortion" or bullying.

Global Lead: With 68% internet penetration, Ghana is now leading Africa in balancing rapid digital growth with strict safety safeguards.

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Summit Highlights: Washington, D.C.

Feature	Details
Host	U.S. First Lady Melania Trump
Frameworks	Built on the UN’s Children and Digital report and EU Digital Services Act
Ghana's Rank	Leading Africa in digital safety and GSMA connectivity metrics
Goal	Deepen global cooperation on child online protection

"Protecting children's digital futures is our moral duty, our generational responsibility, and our shared global mission." — H.E. Lordina Dramani Mahama, Washington D.C., March 2026.