The Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Dr Kingsley Agyemang, has named a baby girl born to a 13-year-old mother after First Lady Lordina Dramani Mahama, following months of support he extended to the minor after learning of her circumstances.
The teenage mother, who lives in Adukrom near Boamang in the Ashanti Region, became pregnant after what was described as a gang rape. Her situation drew public attention after media reports highlighted the challenges she faced during the pregnancy, including limited access to healthcare and basic necessities.
According to Dr Agyemang, the girl was largely abandoned by family and community support systems, leaving her vulnerable at a time when she required protection and care. He said he became involved after coming across reports of her condition and felt compelled to intervene.
The legislator arranged medical care for the teenager and provided food, clothing and other essential items to support her throughout the pregnancy. He said his involvement continued until the baby was safely delivered during the Christmas period.
Speaking after the naming ceremony, Dr Agyemang said his decision to name the child after the First Lady was inspired by what he described as a spiritual experience rather than political considerations. Although he is a member of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), he said the naming was guided by a belief that compassion should rise above partisan divides.
Dr Agyemang explained that the idea came to him while travelling abroad. He said that during a flight from London to the United States, he experienced what he described as a trance, during which he heard a voice instructing him to name the unborn child after the First Lady.
“I questioned why I should be asked to do so,” he said. “The voice then asked me who the First Lady of Ghana was, and I answered quietly within myself. Shortly after, I regained full consciousness.”
He added that at the time of the experience, he did not know the sex of the baby, noting that the name had been decided even before the child was born. “That confirmed to me that this was not a personal choice, but something I was being directed to do,” he said.
The MP said he had initially considered naming the child after his own mother, but felt obliged to follow what he described as a divine instruction. He said the experience strengthened his belief that acts of kindness should not be influenced by political affiliation.
“This reinforces the idea that compassion must transcend political boundaries,” Dr Agyemang said. “At moments like this, what matters is humanity, not party colours.”
He described the naming as a symbol of empathy, gratitude and shared responsibility towards vulnerable children and survivors of abuse. He also expressed the hope that the child would grow up to reflect positive values associated with the First Lady.
“There is a belief that when a child is named after someone, they may inherit certain qualities or values,” he said. “I hope this child grows into a woman of influence and compassion.”
Dr Agyemang also reaffirmed his commitment to continue supporting both the teenage mother and her child, including assistance with healthcare and long-term welfare needs. He called on society to show greater care for victims of abuse, urging communities to respond with support rather than stigma.
Child rights advocates have repeatedly warned that survivors of sexual violence, particularly minors, often face social exclusion and inadequate access to support services. The case has renewed calls for stronger protection systems and community-based interventions to safeguard vulnerable children.
The naming ceremony, though personal in nature, has sparked wider discussion about responsibility, empathy and the role of public figures in responding to cases of abuse, especially those involving children.