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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
The Diaspora Affairs Office at the Office of the President has hosted a delegation of African diaspora women who are in Ghana ahead of a planned Presidential Conferment of Citizenship ceremony.
The Director of Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Okyere Darko, explained in a Facebook post that the visit was a gesture of appreciation by the delegation to the Government of Ghana for its continued efforts to reconnect Africans in the diaspora with their ancestral homeland.
He indicated that the ceremony, scheduled for next Monday, will officially grant Ghanaian citizenship to members of the delegation as part of the country’s broader engagement with the African diaspora.
The delegation was led by Erica Bennett, Founder of the Diaspora Africa Forum.
According to Mr Okyere Darko, her years of advocacy have played an important role in strengthening ties between Africa and people of African descent living abroad.
He noted that the group’s journey towards citizenship represents not only a legal process but also a cultural and spiritual return to their roots.
Also present at the meeting was Natalie Jackson, an attorney who is also expected to receive Ghanaian citizenship during the ceremony. She works closely with renowned civil rights lawyer Ben Crump.
Mr Okyere Darko emphasised that Ghana remains committed to strengthening relationships with the African diaspora and promoting unity, identity, and shared heritage among people of African descent worldwide.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghana has signed a debt restructuring agreement with the Kingdom of Belgium as part of efforts to restore the country’s economic stability after the financial crisis that hit the nation in 2022 and 2023.
The Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, today disclosed that he signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Ghana.
He explained that Ghana experienced a very difficult period during the crisis, which forced the government at the time to declare a debt default.
However, he indicated that the country is now recovering and witnessing a significant economic turnaround.
According to him, stronger systems are also being put in place to ensure that Ghana does not return to such a situation again.
Dr Forson noted that the agreement with Belgium is the eighth deal Ghana has concluded with countries under the Official Creditor Committee as part of its external debt restructuring programme.
He expressed appreciation to the Government of Belgium for its support and partnership with Ghana during the process.
The Finance Minister thanked Carole van Eyll, Ambassador of Belgium to Ghana, for her role in strengthening relations between the two countries.
The agreement forms part of Ghana’s broader effort to restructure its external debts and stabilise the economy following the crisis.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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