Four Multimedia journalists shine at 2024 Merck Foundation Awards

Four journalists from The Multimedia Group won top honors at the 2024 Merck Foundation Awards. They were recognized for their impactful storytelling on health and social issues.

JoyNews’ Emmanuel Dzivenu and Seyram Abla De-Souza won in the West Africa Multimedia Category. Their documentary, “NCDs - The Silent Epidemic,” focuses on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Ghana.

The documentary highlights the rise of NCDs and their impact on families, healthcare, and the economy.

Mona Lisa Frimpong from JoyNews placed third in the same category. Her story featured women in Oforikrom, Ashanti Region, facing health risks from extreme heat and toxic smoke while working in palm oil production.

Prince Owusu Ansah of Adom TV secured second place in the Online Category. His piece, “Hypertension Shatters Family,” tells the story of Amenin Asare, a 58-year-old man affected by hypertension.

Amenin's condition forced him to stop working and led to abandonment by his family.

The four journalists were among 125 honored from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. They were celebrated under the award schemes “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension.”

Senator Dr Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, praised them for giving a voice to the voiceless. She commended their efforts to highlight important social issues often overlooked.

The awards are held in partnership with First Ladies from several African countries.