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Merck Foundation holds training for Health Media
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany has held a training for the health media in some selected countries.
More than 1500 African and Latin American Journalists from more than 35 countries participated in the Merck Foundation Health Media Training.
The event held through a video conference on Thursday was preceeded by 8th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary Inauguration & Africa’s First Ladies High Level Panel on Tuesday.
‘Merck More than a Mother’ community awareness programme aimed at enlightening people about infertility.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Merck Foundation, Dr.Rasha Kelej expressed her outfits commitment to conducting such important training, adding that the initiative was close to her heart.
According to her, this would empower the media to take the messages to the community and bring a change considering the important role of the media.
She added that by so doing, the stigma around infertility would be broken, and some preventive measures be highlighted.
Dr.Kelej also encouraged the media to actively participate in the Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 2021.
President of Fertility Society of Ghana, Dr.Edem Hiadzi made an elaborate presentation on causes of infertility and prevention.
As part of the presentation, he called for a holistic approach and government intervention in the provision of fertility services.
Dr.Wangiri Ndengwa a Gynaecologist and IVF Specialist said the problem of poor understanding of Fertility issues and financial challenges contribute mostly to infertility.
She said when there is no conception after six months of marriage, both couple must see a Fertility Specialist for early detection a d treatment adding that age is important when it comes to issues of fertility.
Samuel Lukhanda, President of Zambia Union of Journalists on his part said ignorance and misinformation on infertility issues lead to stigmatisation.
Against this backdrop, he called on the media to lead the awareness and advocacy campaign.
Other Specialists and broadcasters who spoke also threw more light on how the media could help in nipping stigma associated with infertility in the bud.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Criminal Investigation Department has launched an investigation into a viral video in which a woman identified as Arianna Naomi Mackey, an American citizen, claims she was kidnapped by five masked men, whom she alleges were officers of the Ghana Police Service on snap-check duty in Accra, and robbed her of some amount of money.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the video was recorded at a hotel in Accra where Ms. Mackey and two companions were staying.
According to the police, investigation also confirmed that they checked out of the hotel on December 5, 2025.Checks at the Kotoka International Airport also disclosed that she left Ghana on the same day.
The Police subsequently contacted the alleged victim to assist the investigation. She indicated to Police that she was out of the country and she could not get the names of the alleged officers nor the number plate of the vehicle they were using.
Police further requested for the contact details of her friend in Ghana, who she said was with her during the time of the incident.
She, however, stated that her friend does not want to be involved in the investigation.
According to the police, she has since deleted the video on her page and further efforts by the Investigators to contact her through WhatsApp calls and messages have proved unsuccessful, as she has declined to respond and later blocked the team.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to secure her cooperation through appropriate diplomatic channels.
The Ghana Police Service has noted that it treats such allegations very seriously and remains committed to uncovering the facts in this case.
The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested three men believed to be part of a kidnapping syndicate responsible for abducting a 42-year-old man in Wapuli, a community in the Yendi District.
The suspects, Haruna Seidu, Amidu Bandi and Osman Bandi allegedly kidnapped the victim and demanded GH¢100,000 from his family for his release.
According to a police statement, officers from the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate were deployed to Wapuli after the incident was reported.
The team conducted surveillance and launched a rescue operation.
On Friday, December 5, 2025, police successfully rescued the victim and arrested the suspects after what was described as an intense exchange of gunfire.
The suspects were later taken into custody and are expected to be arraigned before court.
The Police said the a fourth suspect, who is believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the operation, is currently on the run.
They urged the public to provide any information that may lead to his arrest.
By: Jacob Aggrey
