First Lady Lordina Mahama Advocates Stronger Global Action on Child Online Safety

Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Dramani Mahama, has called on world leaders to prioritize child safety in the digital age, warning that while technology presents vast opportunities, it also exposes young people to significant risks.

Speaking at the Fostering the Future Together Global Coalition Summit in Washington, D.C., Mrs. Mahama emphasized the urgent need for coordinated global efforts to protect children online. She expressed gratitude to Melania Trump for hosting the summit and used a personal reflection to illustrate the dual impact of digital technology.

Highlighting the rapid expansion of the digital space, the First Lady noted that nearly 70 percent of the global population is active on social media. In Ghana alone, between 8 and 15 million internet users are predominantly young people, underscoring the scale of exposure and the need for safeguards.

Referencing remarks by President John Dramani Mahama during his Independence Day address, she stated that today’s generation of children has access to tools that previous generations could scarcely imagine.

“In their hands, a smartphone serves as a classroom, a business hub, a creative space, and a gateway to the global economy,” she said.

Despite these advantages, Mrs. Mahama cautioned that inadequate oversight could leave children vulnerable to online harm, including cyberbullying and exploitation. She cited studies indicating that one in five young victims of cyberbullying avoids school as a result.

To address these concerns, Ghana has intensified efforts to improve child online protection through stronger legislation, enhanced law enforcement, and public awareness initiatives such as the ‘Safer Digital Ghana’ campaign.

The two-day summit brings together global leaders and stakeholders to strengthen collaboration on child online safety. Discussions are expected to build on existing international frameworks, including the United Nations’ Children and Digital report and the European Union’s Digital Services Act, aimed at creating safer digital environments for children worldwide.