Media General journalists Grace Hammoah Agyemang and Emmanuel Samani have been honored by the Merck Foundation for their outstanding contributions to the field of journalism, particularly in their comprehensive coverage of female health and human rights protection issues.
The Merck Foundation Awards, conducted in collaboration with Ghana’s First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, underscores the significance of partnership and collective action in addressing pressing challenges facing women and girls across the continent.
The accolades were bestowed upon them as part of the Merck Foundation’s prestigious More than a Mother and Girl Child Protection Awards Schemes, designed to raise awareness about fertility complications and the importance of safeguarding women’s rights and health.
Despite stiff competition from journalists across the African continent, Agyemang and Samani emerged as the winners in the multimedia category, a testament to their dedication and professionalism in shedding light on critical societal issues.
The announcement of the winners was made public on Monday, March 25, ahead of the Merck Foundation’s highly anticipated annual conference slated for April 13, 2024.
Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of the Merck Foundation, expressed her pride in the Ghanaian journalists’ achievements, commending their ongoing efforts to educate their communities through their exceptional reporting on sensitive topics. Kelej emphasized the vital role of media in raising awareness and sensitizing the public to important issues.
While Samani is making his debut on the award scheme, this will be the second time Grace is receiving the Award, having won First Price in the 2022 edition.
Ghana’s First Lady, Rebecca Akuffo Addo, is expected to present the two winners with their awards at a later date.