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 Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has held its Fourth Quarter Ministerial Advisory Board Meeting to review progress, discuss key policy matters, and strengthen collaboration towards achieving its strategic goals.
The meeting brought together members of the Advisory Board, which was set up under Section 39 of the Civil Service Act, 1993 (PNDCL 327), and the Civil Service (Ministerial Advisory Board) Regulations, 2010 (L.I. 1961).
The Board serves as a platform for continuous engagement between the Ministry and its stakeholders.
Its role is to advise the sector Minister on policy planning and implementation, while ensuring that programmes on gender, social protection, and child welfare align with national priorities and government development goals.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, commended the Board for its consistent support and technical guidance in advancing the Ministry’s mandate.
She noted that the Ministry’s work in promoting gender equality, protecting the vulnerable, and ensuring the welfare of children and families depends on strong policies and effective partnerships.
Dr. Lartey stressed that the Advisory Board plays an important role in helping the Ministry deliver its mission in a sustainable and impactful way.
A major highlight of the meeting was a presentation on the Ministry’s achievements so far this year, followed by discussions on future policy direction and strategic focus areas.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has been unanimously elected as the Chairperson of the Africa Geopolitical Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
The election took place on October 19, 2025, during the ongoing 151st IPU Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. His victory places Ghana at the center of continental and global parliamentary diplomacy.
With this new role, Speaker Bagbin will coordinate and harmonize Africa’s collective positions on major IPU decisions and policies.
He will also serve as the continent’s chief representative on key issues such as governance, peace, security, and sustainable development.
Speaker Bagbin currently serves as the President of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (COSPAL) and is the immediate past Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) International.
In his remarks after the election, he thanked African delegations for their confidence and unity, particularly commending Nigeria for seconding his nomination and Senegal for withdrawing its candidate in the spirit of cooperation.
He pledged to strengthen collaboration among African parliaments and promote transparency, democratic governance, and sustainable development through stronger legislative institutions.
He succeeds Ms. Angela Thokozile Didiza, Speaker of South Africa’s National Assembly, who served with distinction.
The Africa Geopolitical Group, formed in the early 1950s, serves as a continental branch of the IPU, ensuring fair representation of African countries in the Union’s committees and decision-making bodies.
It also coordinates Africa’s common positions on major parliamentary issues discussed at IPU assemblies.
By: Jacob Aggrey
