The Multimedia Group’s Nana Yaw Gyimah has been awarded by the Merck Foundation for his excellent story to create awareness during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in Ghana.

Nana Yaw came second in the Multimedia Category of the “Stay at Home” Media Recognition Awards for Ghana.

The theme of the awards was, ‘Raising Awareness on how to stay safe and keep physically and mentally healthy during Coronavirus lockdown’, with the aim to separate facts from myths and misconceptions.

While the Ghana edition was in partnership with First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, the Nigeria edition had support from First Lady, Aisha Muhammadu Buhari.

Nana Yaw who is expected to receive $300 USD as prize money dedicated the award to his late news editor, Saeed Ali Yaqub.

“I am sad Saeed isn’t here to witness this moment. He made sure it was a good report. Congrats to us all. Special thanks to Kofi Asare who shot the video and Edward Arko, the driver who sent us there and got us interviews. Thanks, team,” he said.

On his part, the CEO for Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed satisfaction with the awards scheme and the work of the winners.

“I am very proud of our winners from Ghana and Nigeria who helped to educate the communities about Covid-19 through their exceptional work by frequently covering this topic in their respective countries.

"I have always believed that Media can play a very important role in sensitizing people about sensitive issues such as Coronavirus. Big congratulations to all the winners”.

The list of the winners was released Friday, October 16 ahead of the Foundation’s annual conference scheduled for later this month.

Other award winners include Grace Hammoah Asare of TV3 who came first in the Multimedia Category and Wendy Laryea from TV3 who took the third place.

Both Albert Futukpor and Lydia Kukua Asamoah of Ghana News Agency, won the Online Category.

The Print Category saw Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman of The New Times Corporation (The Spectator) as the winner.

The organizers revealed the quality of work received was impressive, therefore, the Merck Foundation Media Awards Committee introduced a second and a third position and selected more than one winner, on some occasions, for each of the four categories from all the regions.

The winners will benefit from a one-year MasterClass educational training program and also be ushered into the Merck Foundation Alumini.

The MasterClass is an immersive online experience and self-paced learning course in English that can be accessed anywhere with the Internet.

This is to motivate passionate journalists to continue writing and advocating for social, economic, and health issues across their countries”.

About Merck Foundation

The Merck Foundation (Merck-Foundation.com), established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany.

It aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology.

Their efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality and equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity, and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth.