News
Merck Foundation holds training for Health Media
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany has held a training for the health media in some selected countries.
More than 1500 African and Latin American Journalists from more than 35 countries participated in the Merck Foundation Health Media Training.
The event held through a video conference on Thursday was preceeded by 8th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary Inauguration & Africa’s First Ladies High Level Panel on Tuesday.
‘Merck More than a Mother’ community awareness programme aimed at enlightening people about infertility.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Merck Foundation, Dr.Rasha Kelej expressed her outfits commitment to conducting such important training, adding that the initiative was close to her heart.
According to her, this would empower the media to take the messages to the community and bring a change considering the important role of the media.
She added that by so doing, the stigma around infertility would be broken, and some preventive measures be highlighted.
Dr.Kelej also encouraged the media to actively participate in the Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 2021.
President of Fertility Society of Ghana, Dr.Edem Hiadzi made an elaborate presentation on causes of infertility and prevention.
As part of the presentation, he called for a holistic approach and government intervention in the provision of fertility services.
Dr.Wangiri Ndengwa a Gynaecologist and IVF Specialist said the problem of poor understanding of Fertility issues and financial challenges contribute mostly to infertility.
She said when there is no conception after six months of marriage, both couple must see a Fertility Specialist for early detection a d treatment adding that age is important when it comes to issues of fertility.
Samuel Lukhanda, President of Zambia Union of Journalists on his part said ignorance and misinformation on infertility issues lead to stigmatisation.
Against this backdrop, he called on the media to lead the awareness and advocacy campaign.
Other Specialists and broadcasters who spoke also threw more light on how the media could help in nipping stigma associated with infertility in the bud.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
Abla Dzifa Gomashie meets heads of agencies
The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts (MoTCCA), Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, held a meeting with Heads of Agencies of MoTCCA at the Conference room of the Ministry.
Also present at the meeting were the Directors of the Ministry.
The meeting was to enable her to familiarise herself with the staff and seek their support and collaboration which is essential in helping achieve the vision of the Ministry.
She urged them all to strive hard to make an impact on the sector.
She stated that she was excited to be part of the team and open to learning new things.
Dzifa Gomashie was confident that together, “we would be able to achieve a lot for the sector by creating a lot more opportunities that would bring development to our country.”
News
Former NPP MP Gifty Klenam defects to NDC
Gifty Klenam, a two-time New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for the people of Lower West Akim in the Eastern Region, has defected to the National Democratic Congress.
The former Member of Parliament made her switch public on Thursday, January 30, 2025 after receiving her NDC membership card in the Anlo Constituency of the Volta Region.
According to her, the decision followed a thorough review of the party’s policies, adding that she believes that President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership will lead the country toward progress and prosperity.
In a statement, she explained her decision, citing ideological alignment and confidence in the NDC’s policy direction as primary factors.
“Upon consultation with my family, I decided to join the NDC because it aligns with my values and vision for mother Ghana,” she stated.
Klenam also expressed strong confidence in the NDC’s 2024 manifesto, describing it as the most promising blueprint for Ghana’s future development.
She expressed her commitment to working closely with the NDC’s grassroots, empowering local communities, and creating opportunities to prevent the mass migration of Ghanaian youth seeking better prospects abroad.
Gifty Klenam, served as a Member of Parliament during the Fourth and Fifth Parliaments of the Fourth Republic, later held the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Export Promotion Centre (GEPC) under the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration.
