Raissa

A Journalist with the New Times Corporation (NTC), publishers of The Spectator and the Ghanaian Times newspapers, Raissa Sambou, was adjudged winner in the print category of the Merck Foundation’s ‘More Than a Mother’ Awards 2023.

Her stories, which shed light on crucial societal issues were published in The Spectator.

Ms Sambou highlighted the urgent need for advocates to intensify awareness campaigns, urging African governments to eradicate the abhorrent practice of trans-border Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

With meticulous research and compelling narratives, she underscored the devastating impact of the practice on young girls and called for action to end it.

In another impactful piece, Ms Sambou addressed the pressing issue of abusive marriages and their detrimental effects on children.

She urged women to break free from the shackles of abusive relationships, emphasising the importance of protecting children from witnessing and internalising such harmful behaviour as normal.

Furthermore, she tackled the pervasive stigma surrounding breast cancer, whiles challenging negative societal norms and advocating for compassion and support instead of judgment and discrimination against fighters of breast cancer.

This is the second time Ms Sambou has been honoured by the Merck Foundation, a testament to her unwavering commitment to journalistic excellence and social advocacy.

Her previous accolades include recognition from the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), where she was named the Most Promising Journalist of the Year at the 2020 awards ceremony.

In 2020, she also received the GJA award for Best Reporter for the Child Protection category of the awards scheme.

Her contributions to promoting the welfare and rights of students have been recognised by the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).

By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu