Profile
Inside the mesmerisng world of Merck Foundation’s Dr Rasha Kelej
Infertility is a global issue, but has serious psychological trauma and social stigma, especially on women in Africa.
In some cases, it ends up in verbal and physical abuses, violence in marriage and many times divorce. This is why infertility remains an issue in Africa that needs to be addressed.
One woman who is determined to change the lives of those affected by infertility is Egyptian Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej. She is the first African woman to be the Chief Executive Officer, (CEO) of Merck Foundation, (one of the world’s most important foundations) who has kept her efforts going for the last 10 years.
Dr. Kelej has worked towards breaking down barriers when it comes to challenges women living with infertility in Africa face. In promoting healthcare intervention, garnering media support to help remove the stigma, and facilitating further education for girls, her efforts have ignited positive change on the continent.
Impact
Dr. Rasha Kelej is the brain behind the inspiring ‘More Than A Mother’ campaign – a rallying call against female infertility stigma – for which she was recognised as one of the Most Influential Africans of 2019 and 2020.
The campaign, one of the most successful causes that has been spearheaded by Merck Foundation, empowers childless and infertile women through access to information, health, change of mindset and economic empowerment.
More than 20 African First Ladies, including Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo, have rallied behind the campaign as Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More than a Mother,” which is very impressive. This campaign provides training for Fertility Specialists and Embryologists to build and advance fertility-care capacity in Africa, Asia and developing countries.
So far, Merck Foundation has provided specialist training to more than 180 local fertility specialists and embryologists, and more than 150 Sexual and Reproductive-care Specialists from Ghana and 36 other countries.
Under her headship 1,700 media representatives from Ghana and 29 other countries from Africa and Latin America were trained on how to report on such sensitive issues and raise awareness in their respective communities.
But that is not all! Dr Kelej has in her capacity as CEO of Merck Foundation, developed many other impactful programmes such as the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI), Merck Capacity Advancement Programme, Merck Cancer Access Programme, Merck Foundation Diabetes Blue Points Programme, and Merck STEM for women and youth, which Ghana was a beneficiary.
A role model
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej was appointed by the President of The Arab Republic of Egypt as a member of the Egyptian Senate in 2020.
Lovingly called ‘Mama Africa’, Senator Kelej is an inspirational pioneer in transforming patient care in Africa. Over 1,300 doctors from 42 countries, including Ghana, have benefited from Merck Foundation scholarships of specialties training in critical fields.
“During Coronavirus pandemic, it has been more important than ever to build capacity and train specialised doctors. They may have a general practitioner, but no specialists. We simply made history in these countries such as The Gambia, Burundi, Guinea & Liberia,” she said this at one of the training programmes regarding the havoc COVID-19 has wreaked on the globe.
She has launched “I Can” Mentorship programme and “90 Minutes with Dr. Rasha Kelej” where, her knowledge and 27 years of experience can help in encouraging and guiding young Africans.
A style icon
Dr. Kelej is truly an African fashion icon and a champion of empowering fashion and art with purpose in Africa through supporting and mentoring potential new African fashion designers. She launches an annual competition through Merck Foundation for best design, song and film that carry messages to address sensitive social and health issues.
She has this for Africa and the rest of the world, “My vision is to develop a community of young African fashion designers in order to catalyse a movement whose reach extends far beyond just fashion. But to create a culture shift and be the voice of the voiceless in their communities.”
According to her, “Fashion industry has already got enough flaks for being superficial. Let’s change this perception and create a meaningful fashion trend to educate our communities.”
In the field of music, Senator Rasha has produced and directed an inspiring pan- African song called, ‘My White Army’ as her personal contribution to thank the doctors and nurses fighting on the front lines of the COVID-19 battle.
The song, featuring singers from 11 African countries, in three languages; Arabic, English and French, has received commendations across the continent. Moreover, 20 songs have been released with popular African musicians of which two Ghanaian artistes, Cwesi Oteng and Adina, took part.
“This is my passion, and I am inviting all musicians across Africa to contact me and work with us to make a change. I am eagerly waiting,” she says.
Advice
“Passion, dedication, consistency, hardwork, strategic thinking, flawless execution, and close follow-ups are the key components to success, along with the ability to network and communicate rightly with the partners. Honesty and trust are also required to be able to succeed in such a field.
“Believe in yourself, work hard and never allow anyone to get you down. Put your heart, mind and soul into everything you do. And when you make it, do not forget to support others around you,” she adds, to drum home the need for the succesful individuals to help those who are in dire need of help or support.
What next?
She is planning to start two important projects pretty soon.
“I will begin production of a TV programme directed at African countries to unearth their fashion talents, and also start my own fashion line targeting Africa, through which I will cooperate with new talented designers from time to time to spread community awareness in rural African communities. It is not only my hobby, but it is also part of my personal contribution towards my beloved Africa.”
With these creative initiatives, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej is cementing her position in African pop culture and has truly become one of Africa’s unsung ‘sheroes’ of women empowerment and health advocates.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Profile
Juventus Duorinaah, Ghana’s first deaf Lawyer
In a landmark moment for Ghana’s legal landscape, Juventus Duorinaah Esq., has etched his name in history as the country’s first lawyer with a hearing impairment.
His journey from a humble background to breaking barriers in the legal profession serves as a powerful inspiration for countless individuals in the disability community, proving that determination and resilience can defy societal expectations and create pathways to success.
For Juventus, the recognition as Ghana’s first deaf lawyer feels surreal.
“It feels like a dream,” he reflects, acknowledging the stereotypes surrounding deafness and the humble background from which he hails.
Juventus’ passion for law sparked in 2008 while seeking admission to the University of Ghana (UG). Although he initially faced challenges due to the nature of the application process, the help of his older brother and his determined spirit led him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2012, followed by a Master of Laws at Cardiff University in 2014.
His passion for the study of law became highly intense when he had to study alongside qualified lawyers from several jurisdictions, even though he did not have a legal background. Here, he faced the unique challenge of studying without sign language interpreters, relying instead on a palantypist to transcribe lectures.
Juventus’ role model was his professor and mentor, Professor Luke Clement, who profoundly inspired him in shaping his understanding of law and human rights.
He remembers Prof. Thomas Stephens from the University of Ghana School Of Law, who inspired him with his way of dressing, in-depth knowledge of the law and engagement with students.
He recounts the enormous challenges he encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when lectures moved online, and Dr Stephen’s tremendous support to ensure things moved quickly and smoothly for him.
“I also had the chance to have a few classes with the Dean himself, Prof. Raymond Atuguba. He taught the course such that some of us never felt scared as other lecturers made the course,’ he recalled.
Juventu’s academic journey was fraught with challenges, particularly in communication.
The year 2007 was the last time he studied with deaf peers. He was often the only deaf person in his classes throughout the following years of his education, which made interaction with peers difficult.
Despite these hurdles, he remained high-spirited, studying late into the night and seeking help from kind classmates when necessary.
Reflecting on his academic experience at UG, he connected his affection for the university to his older brother, who is also an alumnus. He felt inspired to be a student of the premier university, saying he would choose the University of Ghana any time, any day, if given the chance to further his studies or work.
The University Of Ghana School Of Law, along with its Dean, Professor Raymond Atuguba, the Director of Legal Education of the Ghana School of Law, Yaw Bramiah Oppong, and his capable team, including the Registrar and Deputy Registrar of the Ghana School of Law and the Office for Students with Special Needs (UG), made significant contributions to his journey.
Prof. Atuguba acknowledged Juventus’ achievement as evidence of the university’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Commenting on how the school accommodated his special needs, Prof. Atugugba explained that ‘In the case of Juventus, we worked closely with him to understand and address his special needs, ensuring he had access to the teaching and learning resources in the appropriate formats that would support his academic journey.
Professor Atuguba noted that Juventus’s journey is just beginning, and the future holds promise for him and the many lives he aims to touch along the way.
Juventus’s close friend, Ida Esi McOwusu Esq., described her first encounter with Juventus as ‘intriguing.’ “My first meeting with Juventus was in class, where he sat right in front of me in first year,” Ida reveals. She was intrigued and wanted to find out more about him, especially how Juventus navigated his way to this level. “I got closer and we became friends from there,” she remarked.
Mr Francis Kweku Essel, Juventus’ interpreter, shed light on the primary challenges he faced in carrying out his job, particularly the complex nature of legal terminology and concepts. This validates Ida’s comment on the interpreters’ lack of legal background as a challenge Lawyer Duorinaah encountred.
Juventus dreams of becoming a judge and aims to enhance justice delivery while serving as a role model for young people with disabilities.
He is currently mentoring a group of young deaf students interested in pursuing law, hoping to pave the way for future generations. What’s next for Lawyer Juventus? His next step is to complete his pupilage, after which he can decide further his legal career.
Profile
Dr. Christopher Baasongti Beyere …A visionary leader who triumphs through adversity
DR. Christopher Baasongti Beyere, the Member of Parliament-elect for Techiman South Constituency, is a trailblazing leader whose journey to political prominence is as inspiring as his contributions to health and education.
A man of resilience, intellect, and service, Dr. Beyere’s story exemplifies the triumph of determination and commitment over adversity.
A Multifaceted Leader with Transformative Achievements
Dr. Beyere’s professional and academic accomplishments are vast and impactful. He is a PhD holder in Global Health from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, where his research on motivation policies for Ghanaian health workers reshaped staff development strategies.
A man of interdisciplinary expertise, he also holds an MSc in International Health from Brandeis University, an MA in International Human Resource Management from Manchester Metropolitan University, and a BSc in Information Technology from Methodist University.
His academic journey culminated with an LLB from the University College of Science, Arts, and Education, the Gambia Law School, Banjul, making him a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of The Gambia, called to the Bar in November 2024.
Dr. Beyere’s work in the health sector has transformed Ghana’s healthcare landscape.
As Executive Secretary of the Health Training Institutions Secretariat, he spearheaded numerous initiatives, including upgrading post-basic programs to degree and master’s levels, introducing male midwifery training, and establishing the “Best Health Tutor Award” to motivate educators.
His efforts also led to the construction of a 75-bedroom guesthouse for principals of nursing training schools, showcasing his dedication to improving infrastructure and capacity for education.
In his role as Vice President of the University College of Science, Arts, and Education in Sunyani, Dr. Beyere has continued to champion educational innovation, ensuring that academic and non-academic functions align with the institution’s mission to nurture future leaders.
The Political Journey: Resilience and Triumph
Dr. Beyere’s political career has been marked by both challenges and victories. In the 2020 parliamentary election, his initial bid to represent Techiman South faced fierce resistance.
The election was fraught with controversy, culminating in a narrow defeat to Martin Kwaku Adjei-Mensah Korsah of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who polled 49,682 votes against Dr. Beyere’s 49,205. The results were contested, leading to a protracted court case that added to the emotional toll of the loss.
However, Dr. Beyere’s resilience never wavered. With renewed vigor, he returned to the political arena in 2024, determined to serve his people. This time, he secured a decisive victory, polling 44,986 votes across 282 polling stations, surpassing his perennial opponent, Martin Kwaku Adjei-Mensah Korsah, who garnered 43,730 votes.
His triumph was a testament to his unwavering commitment to the people of Techiman South, who recognized his vision and trusted his leadership.
A Leader of Compassion and Vision
Dr. Beyere’s political success is rooted in his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. During his time at the Gambia Law School in Banjul, he was beloved by his colleagues for his humility and sense of camaraderie. These qualities have endeared him to his constituents, who see in him a leader committed to their welfare.
Beyond his political and professional achievements, Dr. Beyere has consistently demonstrated a passion for empowering others. His initiatives in education and healthcare, coupled with his international collaborations, underscore his dedication to creating opportunities and driving sustainable development.
A Future of Hope and Progress
As he takes his place in Parliament, Dr. Beyere is poised to bring transformative leadership to Techiman South. His vision for the constituency includes advancing healthcare, education, and infrastructural development while fostering a sense of unity and purpose among his people.
Dr. Christopher Baasongti Beyere’s journey—from overcoming electoral challenges to becoming a symbol of hope and progress—is a shining example of what perseverance and dedication can achieve. With his wealth of experience, both locally and internationally, he stands ready to champion the aspirations of his constituents and contribute to Ghana’s growth.
