Entertainment
11 African countries, three languages: Merck Foundation CEO acknowledges health workers with “My White Army”
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.
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.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
GHANAIAN gospel heavyweight, Empress Gifty, has released a spirit-filled song titled “Sunsum Ndwom.”
The song, which is already making waves shortly after its release, is delivered in three parts, each carrying a powerful message.
The first part reflects on the mystery of Prophet Elijah, where people wondered who he was after he prayed and called down fire from heaven.
The second part centres on salvation, urging believers not to celebrate only power and miracles, but to celebrate the fact that their names are written in the Book of Life, because that is what lasts forever.
The third part celebrates the beauty of God’s healing power, a song originally composed by her late mother.
The gospel star is urging Ghanaians to stream the song on all platforms and encounter its powerful lyrics.
She also stressed the need to preserve Ghana’s traditional gospel sound, expressing hope that the new generation will embrace their heritage.
Empress Gifty further expressed appreciation to all stakeholders in the industry who have supported her career over the years.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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GHANAIAN media personality, Joyce Akumaa Dongotey-Padi, affectionately called Akumaa, has marked the 18th anniversary of her Mama Zimbi Foundation (MZF).
The event was held at the Broken Yoke Ministry International at Klagon in Accra.
Thousands of widows who benefited were taken through health education for good living, business enhancement, women empowerment and legal education, among others.
In addition, they were given water, cloth, rice, noodles, oil, Noko Fine Washing Powder and other toiletries.
Mrs Dongotey-Padi noted that there is land earmarked for vocational training and gari processing for those who are unemployed and would want to make ends meet.
Against that backdrop, she expressed appreciation to gospel musician Empress Gifty for supporting her with her Noko Fine Washing Powder and Verna Mineral Water.
According to her, it went a long way to put smiles on the faces of the widows.
Akumaa Mama Zimbi further said that if she looks back on how the journey started 18 years ago, she feels fulfilled in impacting thousands of lives.
According to her, this motivates her to do even more to put smiles on the faces of people.
The Mama Zimbi Foundation is an NGO committed to motivating, empowering and supporting widows and their children, as well as educating adolescents on their sexual and reproductive health.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
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