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Abigail Arthur receives first prize at Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards
A journalist of the New Times Corporation (NTC), Abigail Arthur has received the first prize of the prestigious Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 2022.
The award recognises her outstanding work in the field of health journalism, specifically her insightful coverage of ‘Diabetes and Hypertension.’
She was awarded together with others in Accra on Friday, May 24.
Ms Arthur’s winning entry, a series of articles that shed light on the growing prevalence of diabetes and hypertension, was lauded for its depth, accuracy, and impact.
Her work has played a crucial role in raising awareness about these chronic conditions and the need for early detection and management.
The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, instituted the Africa Media Recognition Awards to encourage journalists across Africa to produce accurate, informative, and compelling content about health issues.
Upon receiving the award, Ms Arthur expressed her gratitude to the Merck Foundation and dedicated her win to those battling diabetes and hypertension.
“This award is not just for me, but for every individual fighting these conditions. Through my work, I hope to bring about change and contribute to a healthier Africa,” she said.
The First Lady, Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo congratulated all awardees and urged them to continue to do their good work. She further commended Merck Foundation for its role in the health industry.
The Chief Execitive Officer (CEO) of Merck Foundation, Dr Rasha Kelej, also congratulated all awardees and urged them to continue to do their best.
Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has made a generous donation to the country’s national female Under-17 and Under-20 teams – Black Maidens and Black Princesses- as they continue preparations for major international assignments.
The donation, made on Friday, May 22, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.
The gesture forms part of efforts to motivate and support Ghana’s young female footballers as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.
The donation included essential food items and toiletries aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of the players and technical teams.
The donation included cartons of Milo, T-rolls, soft drinks, toiletries, and a range of essential supplies aimed at supporting the welfare of the players, enhancing camp conditions, and easing preparations ahead of their respective assignments.
The Black Maidens are currently engaged in preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and are set to take on Liberia women’s national under-17 football team in the second-leg encounter in Liberia this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Black Princesses have already secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Uganda in the qualifiers, extending Ghana’s remarkable record to eight consecutive appearances at the tournament.
The donation by the First Lady was expected to boost morale within both camps while reinforcing national support for the young female footballers who continue to make the country proud.
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
