First Lady of Ghana, Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama, has urged international leaders to prioritise child safety, arguing that digital technology presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant risks to young people worldwide.

Mrs. Lordina Mahama made the remarks during her speech at the "Fostering the Future Together Global Coalition Summit" in Washington, D.C., where she thanked US First Lady Melanie Trump for convening the gathering and shared a personal anecdote illustrating technology's dual nature.

Recalling Ghana's 69th Independence Day, the First Lady described scrolling through TikTok messages featuring young Ghanaians performing celebratory dances. "Many came from young people who could not attend our national celebrations. But technology gave them a voice," she said.

Mrs. Mahama highlighted the dramatic expansion of the digital landscape, noting that nearly seven in ten people globally now use social media. In Ghana, an estimated 8 to 15 million internet users are predominantly young people.

Quoting President John Dramani Mahama's Independence Day address, she observed: "Our children belong to a generation armed with tools that earlier generations could hardly imagine. In their hands, a smartphone becomes a classroom, a business platform, a creative studio, and a gateway to the global economy."

The First Lady cautioned that without proper guidance, technology poses serious dangers. Protecting children's digital futures is "our moral duty, our generational responsibility, and our shared global mission," she declared, announcing proactive steps Ghana is undertaking, including the 'Safer Digital Ghana' campaign.

With 68% internet penetration, Ghana is leading Africa in balancing digital expansion with safeguards against threats like cyberbullying and disinformation.