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Spectator Reporter grabs Merck Foundation’s ‘More Than a Mother’ Award
Raissa
A Journalist with the New Times Corporation (NTC), publishers of The Spectator and the Ghanaian Times newspapers, Raissa Sambou, was adjudged winner in the print category of the Merck Foundation’s ‘More Than a Mother’ Awards 2023.
Her stories, which shed light on crucial societal issues were published in The Spectator.
Ms Sambou highlighted the urgent need for advocates to intensify awareness campaigns, urging African governments to eradicate the abhorrent practice of trans-border Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
With meticulous research and compelling narratives, she underscored the devastating impact of the practice on young girls and called for action to end it.
In another impactful piece, Ms Sambou addressed the pressing issue of abusive marriages and their detrimental effects on children.
She urged women to break free from the shackles of abusive relationships, emphasising the importance of protecting children from witnessing and internalising such harmful behaviour as normal.
Furthermore, she tackled the pervasive stigma surrounding breast cancer, whiles challenging negative societal norms and advocating for compassion and support instead of judgment and discrimination against fighters of breast cancer.
This is the second time Ms Sambou has been honoured by the Merck Foundation, a testament to her unwavering commitment to journalistic excellence and social advocacy.
Her previous accolades include recognition from the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), where she was named the Most Promising Journalist of the Year at the 2020 awards ceremony.
In 2020, she also received the GJA award for Best Reporter for the Child Protection category of the awards scheme.
Her contributions to promoting the welfare and rights of students have been recognised by the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Entertainment
Breaking News: Daddy Lumba is dead – Family announces
Ghanaian music legend Charles Kojo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, has died.
His family confirmed the sad news in a press release issued on Saturday, saying the 60-year-old passed away earlier in the day after a short illness.
“It is with profound sorrow and deep grief that the Fosu family announces the passing of Ghana’s beloved musical icon,” the statement read.
Daddy Lumba was one of Ghana’s most celebrated highlife musicians. With a career spanning more than three decades, his songs touched millions, telling stories of love, pain, joy, and hope.
He was known for his powerful voice, emotional lyrics, and unique style that made him a household name across the country and beyond.
“His soulful voice provided the soundtrack to our love stories, and his poignant lyrics captured the poetry of our struggles, dreams, and resilience,” the family said.
The family has asked for privacy as they mourn their loss and promised to announce funeral arrangements in the coming days.
The statement was signed by Fati Ali Yallah, a lawyer from Baba Jamal & Associates, on behalf of the Fosu family.
Fans, fellow musicians, and Ghanaians across the country have started pouring out tributes on social media, remembering Daddy Lumba’s unmatched contribution to Ghanaian music.
Entertainment
Edem’s debut album gets praise from Sarkodie
Ghanaian rap star Sarkodie has celebrated fellow artiste Edem for his groundbreaking debut album “The Volta Regime”, calling it one of the greatest albums in Ghana’s music history.
In a heartfelt social media post, Sarkodie, whose real name is Michael Owusu Addo, reflected on the first time he heard Edem rap.
He said he was instantly impressed and knew Edem would have a serious impact on the music scene.
“I remember when I first encountered my brother Edem, I came back home to tell one of my hommies that this guy will have a serious impact on the music scene,”
“He was like naa because of the language barrier. I said I don’t hear language, I hear greatness. Big up my brother, you are still on my favourite emcee list.” Sarkodie wrote.
Edem, born Denning Edem Hotor, released The Volta Regime in 2009. The album boldly embraced the Ewe language and featured collaborations with top Ghanaian artists including Tinny, Kwabena Kwabena, and Jeremie Van-Garshong.
Despite initial doubts about how well Ewe rap would perform commercially, the album proved to be a major success and introduced a new wave of local-language hip-hop.
Songs like Bra Fre Me, Nyorvuviade, and the powerful Intro helped establish Edem’s lyrical prowess and cemented his place as a unique voice in the Ghanaian music industry.
At a time when the local scene was dominated by Twi and Ga-speaking rappers, Edem’s success broke barriers and made it clear that talent speaks louder than language.
His impact opened doors for more linguistic diversity in hiplife and hip-hop music across the country.
Sarkodie’s tribute is especially meaningful because both artists emerged around the same period. Sarkodie’s own debut album Makye also dropped in 2009, and the two have long shown mutual respect for each other’s craft.
Today, over 15 years after its release, The Volta Regime continues to inspire fans and artists alike. It remains a symbol of bold originality and cultural pride.
Edem has since released several projects and remains an active voice in Ghanaian music and youth advocacy. His legacy is a reminder that true greatness is not limited by language.
