Renowned Ghanaian journalist and fervent gender advocate, Ms. Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee, clinched the top honour in the Merck Foundation's More Than a Mother Awards for the second consecutive year in 2023.

Ms. Aryee triumphed in the competitive online category for English-speaking West African countries, which also honoured over 50 other exceptional winners hailing from more than 20 nations, including Nigeria, Togo, Angola, Burundi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Namibia.

The announcement came to light during a virtual award ceremony convened by the Merck Foundation on Friday, April 19, 2024.

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Dr. Senator Rasha Kelej, CEO of the Merck Foundation, underscored the unwavering commitment to excellence in the selection process, emphasising the rigorous evaluation of each submission to ensure commendable standards.

Dr. Kelej commended the winners for their outstanding contributions and urged them to persist in their efforts toward advancing the empowerment of women and girls, not only within their national borders but across Africa and beyond.

"We are immensely proud of you. Your comprehensive coverage of issues affecting girls and women, including infertility stigma, harmful cultural practices, and the promotion of girl child education, among others, is commendable," stated the Merck Foundation CEO.

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She encouraged the awardees to leverage the recognition as a catalyst for further advocacy and action, emphasising the importance of ongoing efforts to address gender-related challenges.

The formal award ceremony is scheduled to take place in Ghana at a later date, in collaboration with the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, where recipients will be presented with plaques, medals, and certificates.

The Merck Foundation operates as an international organisation dedicated to advancing women's causes across Africa, championing various advocacy campaigns and initiatives.

In an exclusive interview with Myjoyonline.com, Ms. Aryee, who also serves as the Director for Xoese Ghana, expressed profound gratitude for the honor, affirming her commitment to amplifying the voices of women and children.

This marks Ms. Aryee's second consecutive win in the Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Awards. In 2022, she secured the third position in the West African region with a compelling story highlighting her role in transforming the life of a teenage girl subjected to early marriage in a village in the Eastern Region.

Through her dedicated efforts, the young girl successfully resumed her education after childbirth, sat for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), and gained admission to senior high school.

Ms. Aryee is currently spearheading a campaign to combat infertility stigma, particularly targeting women, by organising fertility events and raising awareness about conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a leading cause of infertility in women.

Emelia is a Communications Specialist, and has over 13 years of experience in media.

She firmly believes that no woman should endure the agony of infertility stigma, advocating that every woman, with or without a child, is whole and complete.

Ms. Aryee has facilitated access to medical treatment and guidance for over 20 individuals struggling with infertility, ensuring they receive the necessary support and care.