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Merck Foundation launches first TV programme to address social, health issues
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has launched its first TV programme to address critical and sensitive issues in Africa and beyond.
Dubbed ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’, the show, according to the organisation “is set to be the voice of the voiceless and break the silence” about social and health challenges such as: diabetes, child marriage, girl education, women empowerment, gender-based violence, infertility, female genital mutilation (FGM) , among others.
The pan African show, conceptualised, produced, directed, and hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, would feature fashion designers, singers, and prominent guests from various backgrounds to “raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa.”
Expressing her excitement about the launch, Dr Kelej, noted that fashion and art should “have a purpose beyond entertainment and looking good.”
She believed fashion and art could contribute to sensitising communities about different social and health issues hence the introduction of the “beneficial yet entertaining TV programme.”
According to her, the programme was part of efforts to reach out to the youth as well as people in rural and urban communities on a wide range of pressing issues.
“I am hosting the show along with my co-host Brian Mulondo from Uganda. We will discuss and address various social and health issues relevant to Africa in a very unique way through our African community of fashion and art with purpose.
“It will be a first-of-its-kind interactive show, which will feature talented fashion designers and singers who sensitise communities through those creative work across Africa”, Dr. Rasha Kelej added.
She said a promo of the first episode on diabetes and healthy lifestyle had already received positive feedback.
The programme would be broadcast every Sunday at 2pm on GHOne TV in Ghana as well as other African countries including Kenya and Uganda.
By Spectator Reporter
News
Sammy Awuku urges Fourth Estate to follow GJA Code of Ethics when holding duty bearers accountable
The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Samuel Awuku, has called on the Fourth Estate to strictly adhere to the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Code of Ethics when reporting on public officials and state institutions.
In a statement issued on 25 September 2025, Mr Awuku said a recent publication by the Fourth Estate about the National Lottery Authority’s (NLA) Good Causes Foundation misrepresented facts about projects undertaken during his time as Director-General.
According to him, the article created the impression that funds meant for the underprivileged were diverted to “glamorous events and questionable enterprises” but ignored many life-saving projects, donations and community interventions funded by the Foundation.
He reminded journalists that Article 1 of the GJA Code of Ethics obliges them to provide factual, balanced and accurate information to the public and to cross-check their facts before publication. “For journalists of the Fourth Estate’s calibre who pride themselves in working in the public interest, it is only appropriate that their publications are factual and not misleading,” he stated.
Mr Awuku explained that the NLA Good Causes Foundation was established in October 2021 to rebrand the Authority’s corporate social responsibility arm and focus on health, education, youth and sports development, and arts and culture.
He said that during his tenure the Foundation built 20-seater toilet facilities with mechanised boreholes in several communities, funded surgery for a baby with spinal bifida, donated incubators and medical supplies to hospitals, constructed a smart laboratory for the Borstal Institute, provided scholarships to needy students, and supported football clubs and cultural festivals, among other projects.
Mr Awuku added that the Foundation was funded through the Caritas Lottery Platform, which generated about GHS11 million between October 2021 and December 2024 after its relaunch.
He dismissed claims that the Authority spent heavily on awards and luxury events, explaining that sponsorships accounted for only about five per cent of expenditure and were intended to attract corporate stakeholders and raise revenue. He also said many award nominations were turned down and that any awards received were not “bought” but recognised the work of his management and staff.
The MP expressed concern about the publication of the names of NLA staff and other beneficiaries, including patients, saying this violated their privacy.
Mr Awuku concluded that he served with integrity and helped turn the NLA’s losses into profits and urged the Fourth Estate and other media houses to present a full and balanced picture when holding duty bearers accountable.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Businessman Richard A. Jakpa has petitioned the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.
He is accusing former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame of trying to get him to give false evidence in court.
In his petition dated July 23, 2025, Mr. Jakpa said he is the third accused person in an ongoing trial involving former Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
According to Mr. Jakpa, Mr. Dame contacted him after the prosecution closed its case and allegedly urged him to cooperate and testify in a way that would implicate Dr. Forson.
He further alleged that on March 26, 2024, Mr. Dame called him and suggested how he should answer questions about Letters of Credit during cross-examination, and even advised him to seek a false medical excuse to delay proceedings.
This, Mr. Jakpa mentioned, he refused to do so.
The businessman is asking the CID to investigate what he describes as an attempt to fabricate evidence and undermine the court process.
The former Attorney-General has not yet publicly responded to the allegations.
By: Jacob Aggrey
