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Merck Foundation launches first TV programme to address social, health issues

Dr.Rasha Kelej

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has launched its first TV programme to address critical and sensitive issues in Africa and beyond.

Dubbed ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’, the show, according to the organisation “is set to be the voice of the voiceless and break the silence” about social and health challenges such as:  diabetes, child marriage, girl education, women empowerment, gender-based violence, infertility, female genital mutilation (FGM) , among others.

The pan African show, conceptualised, produced, directed, and hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, would feature fashion designers, singers, and prominent guests from various backgrounds to “raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa.”

Expressing her excitement about the launch, Dr Kelej, noted that fashion and art should “have a purpose beyond entertainment and looking good.”

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She believed fashion and art could contribute to sensitising communities about different social and health issues hence the introduction of the “beneficial yet entertaining TV programme.”

According to her, the programme was part of efforts to reach out to the youth as well as people in rural and urban communities on a wide range of pressing issues.

“I am hosting the show along with my co-host Brian Mulondo from Uganda. We will discuss and address various social and health issues relevant to Africa in a very unique way through our African community of fashion and art with purpose.

“It will be a first-of-its-kind interactive show, which will feature talented fashion designers and singers who sensitise communities through those creative work across Africa”, Dr. Rasha Kelej added.

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She said a promo of the first episode on diabetes and healthy lifestyle had already received positive feedback.

The programme would be broadcast every Sunday at 2pm on GHOne TV in Ghana as well as other African countries including Kenya and Uganda.

By Spectator Reporter

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National Service Authority to Introduce Military Training

 Management of the National Service Authority, yesterday, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, held talks with the Military High Command towards the implementation of the National Service Emergency Response Readiness Programme (NSERRP).

When implemented, this will reflect His Excellency the President’s commitment towards the implementation of a short military training for National Service Personnel (NSPs) as planned efforts to instill discipline, nationalism and physical fitness among Ghanaian graduates.

 The President shared this position during his maiden State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Thursday February 27, 2025.

At yesterday ’s meeting, the Director-General, Mr. Felix Gyamfi reiterated the need for all personnel to undergo basic military drills and orientation as part of orienting the youth to embrace national development. 

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“The introduction of this military training is a step in the right direction and must be embraced by all and sundry as one of the indicators for resetting the country, particularly the youth,” he commented.

On his part, Brigadier General Amoah-Boakye assured the Authority of their willingness to provide the requisite training for personnel when the Programme officially commences.

In all, personnel will receive up to two months of composite basic military drills starting 3rd August, 2025.

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Ghana Tourism Authority acts on concerns of minors allegedly taken to Hotel in Accra New Town.

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has taken swift action following reports circulating on social media regarding an incident involving minors allegedly taken to a hotel in Accra New Town.

The case has been formally reported to the Nima Division of the Ghana Police Service for investigation. 

In line with their mandate to ensure safety and compliance in the tourism and hospitality sector, our CEO Mrs.Maame Efua Houadjeto delegated a team from the GTA Head Office, Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, Deputy CEO, Special Duties and Mr Ekow Sampson, Deputy CEO, Operations who joined the Greater Accra Regional Director, Ms. Roberta Dawson-Amoah, and the Deputy Director of Marketing, Ms. Clara Nketiah, to visit the said facility.

The objective was to verify the facts on the ground and take necessary regulatory action. 

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They commended the Ghana Police Service for their co-operation and continued support in the ongoing investigation.

Additionally, the team inspected Royal Dede Beach Resort, which has been converted into a hostel under new management without official notification to the Ghana Tourism Authority. 

The team discovered that the hostel’s operations were not in compliance with the L. I 2239. Meanwhile the operator has been directed to the Standards and Quality Assurance Department of the Authority for the necessary regulation.

“We remind all accommodation operators that the Tourism(Registration and Licensing of Accommodation) Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2239) mandates every facility to register and obtain a license from the GTA before commencing operations. 

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This regulation ensures quality, safety, and compliance across the industry,” they noted.

The GTA they said,  remains committed to safeguarding the public and upholding the highest standards in the hospitality sector and urged
the public to report suspicious or non-compliant facilities to the nearest GTA office.

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