News
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 New Patriotic Party (NPP) has opened applications for members interested in contesting as its parliamentary candidates in the 2028 general elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026, the party said interested members must declare their intention to contest between Sunday, November 1, and Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
According to the statement signed by the party’s Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, prospective candidates must complete an online form within the specified period.
The party said a non-refundable application fee of GH¢5,000 would be charged to each prospective candidate.
It added that all applicants would undergo vetting and screening to determine their eligibility to contest on the party’s ticket.
The NPP announced plans to organise capacity-building workshops for prospective candidates in December 2026. The workshops will be held across the Northern, Middle and Southern zones, with details of the venues to be announced later.
The party stressed that the guidelines would apply to all prospective candidates, including sitting NPP Members of Parliament who wish to contest again.
It further warned aspirants against starting campaign activities following the opening of the application process.
According to the statement, the existing directive prohibiting campaign activities remains in force until the party gives official clearance.
It cautioned that anyone who violates the directive would face appropriate sanctions under the party’s constitution and regulations.
The NPP said the process was designed to promote fairness, transparency and equal opportunities for all aspirants as it prepares to select candidates for all 276 constituencies ahead of the 2028 elections.
It urged prospective candidates to follow the guidelines and conduct themselves with discipline and respect for one another throughout the process.
The party said its broader objective was to strengthen unity within its ranks and rebuild public confidence ahead of the 2028 general elections.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
eputy Foreign Minister accompanies Veep to Shanghai to champion Global South reform, industrial drive
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, accompanied Vice-President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang on a successful working visit to Shanghai, China, from 15th to 19th October 2026, at the invitation of the East China Normal University (ECNU).
The highlight of the visit was the 2026 Global South Academic Forum held on 17th October, which brought together over 200 scholars, policymakers, political party leaders and media professionals from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, under the theme “Global South Political Parties: Governance and Modernisation.”
In her keynote address, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang asserted that political independence is only truly the beginning, stating that “winning political power and governing effectively are related but not the same responsibility.” She called for stronger South-South cooperation, multilateralism and reform of the global financial architecture to end debt traps, ensure fair risk assessments and promote climate policies that respect different national circumstances.
On 18th October, she addressed a business forum with Chinese investors, linking Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy policy to industrialization. Warning that training youth without factories creates unemployment, she appealed for factories to be established in Ghana to serve the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market, with priority on value addition in cocoa processing, shea butter, cashew, coconut and timber.
On October 19, Ghana’s Ambassador to China, Kojo Bonsu, hosted a dinner at the Shangri-La for the Vice-President, attended by members of the Ghanaian community and business leaders, who praised the thorough preparation by the Ghana Embassy staff for the visit.
Throughout the trip, Mr. Quayson coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to align the engagements with Ghana’s jobs and transformation agenda.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
