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11 African countries, three languages: Merck Foundation CEO acknowledges health workers with “My White Army”

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As part of effort to encourage and show solidarity for health workers risking their lives to save lives amidst the coronavirus pandemic, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Merck Foundation, Dr Rasha Kelej has shown the way.

He has produced a song by bringing together musicians from 11 African countries to use three languages, English, French and Arabic to compose a song.

The song written by a Ghanaian contemporary gospel music dynamo, Cwesi Oteng is to acknowledge the amazing work by, doctors, nurses and other hospital staff in Africa.

Other artistes on the song include, A Pass from Uganda, Kambua from Kenya, Mahmoud Al Leithy from Egypt, Nikki from Nigeria, Rozzy from Sierra Leone, Salatiel from Cameroon, Sean K from Namibia, Sunita from The Gambia, Tom Close from Rwanda and Wezi from Zambia.

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Speaking of the new song, Dr Kelej emphasised, “I strongly believe, it is important for the people on the front line; doctors, nurses and health workers know how grateful we are. I don’t want this to be a one-off thank you, but one that becomes a regular act of gratitude across our communities. I have heard stories of horrible behaviour against our health workers, such as, landlords are forcefully evicting them due to paranoia that they might spread COVID -19. It is shocking, illegal and inhuman behaviour”. 

She further added that though she was not a professional music director or producer, as  the CEO of Merck Foundation she had produced and directed many documentaries with the aim to break the stigma around infertile women and to empower women and girls in education in Africa and Asia as part of their  programmes. 

“So, I believe I have the talent and experience needed. Most importantly, I have the vision of inclusive Africa, all regions of Africa; North, South, West and East in one work and one initiative that goes across the whole continent and the whole world,” Rasha Kelej added. 

Aside this, which is her personal contribution towards the COVID-19 fight, her organisation, Merck Foundation has partnered with 18 First Ladies in four main focus areas which include; supporting the livelihood of thousands of casual workers and women during the lockdown, launching the ‘Stay at Home’ Media Recognition Awards, launching an inspiring children storybook ‘Make the Right Choice’ to sensitise children and youth about coronavirus and building healthcare capacity by  providing online one year diploma for African doctors in Respiratory Medicines and Acute Medicines.

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By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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Angel Adjei-Yeboah crowned inaugural Miss Teen Western 2026 

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Ms Angel Adjei-Yeboah has been crowned winner of the maiden edition of the Miss Teen Western pageant, emerging top at a colourful grand finale held on May 23, 2026. 

She beats off keen competition from a pool of talented contestants to secure the crown, with Alberta Yaaba Ackah finishing as first runner-up, Edith Nico placing second runner-up, Margaret Yaa Ankomah as third runner-up, and Cindy Anderson Bondzie as fourth runner-up. 

The grand finale marked the climax of weeks of intensive grooming, cultural exposure and community engagement activities by the contestants, organised by Carilex Productions. 

Before the finals, contestants undertook a cultural and educational tour to the Bisa Abrewa Museum in Nkontompo, Sekondi-Takoradi, as part of efforts to enrich their understanding of Ghana’s history and identity. 

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Madam Princess Antwi, Chief Executive Officer of Carilex Productions, described the maiden edition as a success, noting that it had laid a strong foundation for nurturing talent while also creating awareness about drug abuse and HIV/AIDS. 

“This maiden edition has been a remarkable journey, and we are proud of how far these young ladies have come. It has never been just about beauty, but about building confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of identity,” she said. 

According to Madam Antwi, the pageant seeks to raise a new generation of young leaders who are grounded in Ghanaian values and prepared to contribute meaningfully to national development. 

“These young girls are the future, and through this platform, we are equipping them with the knowledge, confidence and voice to make a difference in their communities and beyond,” she stated. 

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Ms Adjei-Yeboah is expected to champion initiatives focused on youth development, education, and cultural promotion as part of her reign. 

The Miss Teen Western pageant seeks to provide a platform for young girls to discover their potential, build confidence, and contribute meaningfully to society. –GNA

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Entertainment

Angel Adjei-Yeboah crowned inaugural Miss Teen Western 2026 

Published

on

Ms Angel Adjei-Yeboah has been crowned winner of the maiden edition of the Miss Teen Western pageant, emerging top at a colourful grand finale held on May 23, 2026. 

She beats off keen competition from a pool of talented contestants to secure the crown, with Alberta Yaaba Ackah finishing as first runner-up, Edith Nico placing second runner-up, Margaret Yaa Ankomah as third runner-up, and Cindy Anderson Bondzie as fourth runner-up. 

The grand finale marked the climax of weeks of intensive grooming, cultural exposure and community engagement activities by the contestants, organised by Carilex Productions. 

Before the finals, contestants undertook a cultural and educational tour to the Bisa Abrewa Museum in Nkontompo, Sekondi-Takoradi, as part of efforts to enrich their understanding of Ghana’s history and identity. 

Advertisement

Madam Princess Antwi, Chief Executive Officer of Carilex Productions, described the maiden edition as a success, noting that it had laid a strong foundation for nurturing talent while also creating awareness about drug abuse and HIV/AIDS. 

“This maiden edition has been a remarkable journey, and we are proud of how far these young ladies have come. It has never been just about beauty, but about building confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of identity,” she said. 

According to Madam Antwi, the pageant seeks to raise a new generation of young leaders who are grounded in Ghanaian values and prepared to contribute meaningfully to national development. 

“These young girls are the future, and through this platform, we are equipping them with the knowledge, confidence and voice to make a difference in their communities and beyond,” she stated. 

Advertisement

Ms Adjei-Yeboah is expected to champion initiatives focused on youth development, education, and cultural promotion as part of her reign. 

The Miss Teen Western pageant seeks to provide a platform for young girls to discover their potential, build confidence, and contribute meaningfully to society. –GNA

Continue Reading
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