During her keynote address at the 11th Edition of the “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary” in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo expressed heartfelt appreciation for her time in office and the opportunities she has had to serve the Ghanaian people. As President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s term nears its conclusion in January 2025, she declared, “I leave a fulfilled woman,” acknowledging the vital support she has received from her husband, the citizens of Ghana, and partners like the Merck Foundation.

Her speech was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience as she highlighted the notable progress achieved in Ghana’s healthcare sector through her partnership with the Merck Foundation. She emphasized significant improvements in patient care, efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding infertility, and initiatives aimed at promoting girls' education. Since 2018, the foundation has awarded 189 scholarships to enhance access to quality healthcare in underserved regions, a testament to their commitment to social equity.

The First Lady particularly underscored the impact of the “More than a Mother” program, which has garnered widespread support for raising awareness about health issues. Her remarks on this initiative were met with cheers from the crowd, reflecting a shared commitment to health advocacy.