First Lady Lordina Mahama has called for urgent global action to strengthen child protection in the digital space, as she participated in a high level international summit in Washington, D.C. focused on safeguarding children online.
The First Lady made the appeal during the Fostering the Future Together Global Coalition Summit, a two day gathering that brought together first spouses and global leaders to address growing concerns about children’s safety in an increasingly digital world. The event was convened by Melania Trump and centred on building a safer, more inclusive online environment for children worldwide.
Speaking at the summit, Mrs Mahama emphasised that while digital technology presents vast opportunities for education, innovation and empowerment, it also exposes children to significant risks that require coordinated international responses. She stressed that governments, technology companies and global institutions must work together to ensure that digital platforms are designed with child safety at their core.
“Ghana stands ready to ensure technology becomes a force for empowerment, not endangerment, for every child,” she stated, highlighting the country’s commitment to protecting young users while promoting access to digital opportunities.
Her participation reflects Ghana’s growing engagement in global conversations around digital governance and child protection, particularly as internet penetration and technology adoption continue to rise across Africa. As more young people gain access to online platforms, concerns over cyberbullying, data privacy, harmful content and digital exploitation have become increasingly prominent.
The summit provided a platform for world leaders to share policy ideas, coordinate strategies and explore practical solutions to mitigate these risks. Discussions focused on strengthening regulatory frameworks, promoting digital literacy and ensuring equitable access to safe online environments for children across different regions.
Mrs Mahama also underscored the importance of balancing protection with opportunity, noting that digital tools can play a transformative role in education and youth development if properly managed. She called for investments in systems that empower children to benefit from technology while safeguarding them from its potential harms.
Her remarks align with broader international efforts to address the challenges posed by rapid technological advancement. Global institutions and governments have increasingly prioritised child online safety, recognising that the digital space has become a critical environment where children learn, interact and develop.
For Ghana, the issue is particularly relevant as the country continues to expand its digital infrastructure and integrate technology into education and public services. Ensuring that these advancements are accompanied by strong child protection measures is seen as essential to building a safe and inclusive digital future.
The Washington summit is expected to produce actionable commitments and collaborative initiatives aimed at enhancing child safety online, with participating countries encouraged to adopt and implement shared standards and best practices.
Mrs Mahama’s advocacy at the global stage reinforces Ghana’s position as an active contributor to international efforts addressing emerging digital challenges. It also highlights the growing role of African leaders in shaping global policy discussions on technology, safety and development.
First Lady Lordina Mahama enstooled Nkosuohemaa of Akroso Asukawkaw