Media General journalists Grace Hammoah Agyemang and Sarah Apenkroh 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, Laudina Mahama, underscores the significance of partnership and collective action in addressing pressing challenges facing women, girls, and healthcare delivery across the continent.
While Sarah is making her second appearance on the award scheme, this will be the third time Grace is receiving the Award.
The accolades were bestowed upon them as part of the Merck Foundation’s prestigious “More than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension Media Awareness Awards Schemes”, designed to raise awareness about fertility complications and the importance of safeguarding women’s rights and health, as well maintain healthy lifestyles, to prevent diabetes and hypertension.
The awards ceremony took place virtually on May 7, 2026.
Sarah and Grace, despite stiff competition from journalists across the African continent, emerged second place in the multimedia category, for their respective categories in West Africa, a testament to their dedication and professionalism in shedding light on critical societal issues.
The announcement of the winners was made public on Thursday, May 7, ahead of the Merck Foundation’s highly anticipated annual conference slated for later this year.
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.
Dr. Kelej emphasized the vital role of media in raising awareness and sensitizing the public to important issues.
Ghana’s First Lady, Laudina Mahama, is expected to present the two winners with their awards physically at a later date.
