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Spectator Reporter grabs Merck Foundation’s ‘More Than a Mother’ Award
Raissa
A Journalist with the New Times Corporation (NTC), publishers of The Spectator and the Ghanaian Times newspapers, Raissa Sambou, was adjudged winner in the print category of the Merck Foundation’s ‘More Than a Mother’ Awards 2023.
Her stories, which shed light on crucial societal issues were published in The Spectator.
Ms Sambou highlighted the urgent need for advocates to intensify awareness campaigns, urging African governments to eradicate the abhorrent practice of trans-border Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
With meticulous research and compelling narratives, she underscored the devastating impact of the practice on young girls and called for action to end it.
In another impactful piece, Ms Sambou addressed the pressing issue of abusive marriages and their detrimental effects on children.
She urged women to break free from the shackles of abusive relationships, emphasising the importance of protecting children from witnessing and internalising such harmful behaviour as normal.
Furthermore, she tackled the pervasive stigma surrounding breast cancer, whiles challenging negative societal norms and advocating for compassion and support instead of judgment and discrimination against fighters of breast cancer.
This is the second time Ms Sambou has been honoured by the Merck Foundation, a testament to her unwavering commitment to journalistic excellence and social advocacy.
Her previous accolades include recognition from the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), where she was named the Most Promising Journalist of the Year at the 2020 awards ceremony.
In 2020, she also received the GJA award for Best Reporter for the Child Protection category of the awards scheme.
Her contributions to promoting the welfare and rights of students have been recognised by the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
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Ghana to locally refine its gold starting October 2025 – Sammy Gyamfi
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, has announced that plans are far advanced for the establishment of a state-owned gold refinery in the country.
Speaking at the 2025 Minerals and Mining Convention, Mr Gyamfi said the refinery will process locally mined gold into bullion instead of exporting it in its raw state.
According to him, it is unacceptable that Ghana, despite being a leading gold producer in Africa, continues to export raw gold known as dore.
He explained that the Gold Board, working with the Bank of Ghana and local refineries, will from October 2025 begin refining gold locally.
He also disclosed that an ultramodern assay laboratory will be built to ensure international standards in testing gold quality.
Mr Gyamfi noted that the refinery will be wholly state-owned and will help Ghana move away from raw mineral exports to value addition.
This, he said, will boost foreign exchange earnings, create jobs, and position Ghana as a hub for gold refining and jewellery production in Africa.
The CEO stressed that the project forms part of government’s strategy to ensure the country benefits fully from its natural resources and to transform the mining sector into a driver of economic growth.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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There is strength in diversity; let’s live in peace – Zanetor Rawlings urges Ghanaians
Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has urged Ghanaians, especially the youth, to value the peace the country enjoys and to see diversity as a source of strength.
Speaking at the National Youth Conference held at the Pentecost Convention Centre under the theme “Igniting Potential; Inspiring Change”, she warned against being lured into conflicts and divisions fueled by reckless statements from politicians, traditional leaders, religious figures, or academics.
According to her, many young people have no idea what it means to live in a country torn apart by war, and therefore must not take Ghana’s peace for granted.
She stressed that the harmony among different ethnic and regional groups should be protected at all costs, since it is peace that allows citizens to gather freely and safely.
Dr. Zanetor said Ghana’s development depends on embracing diversity and working together.
She urged the youth to tap into this strength so that Ghana would continue to shine as the “Black Star” of Africa and serve as an example for other nations.
She expressed appreciation to the participants for attending the conference and asked for God’s blessings on the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
