Jennifer Ambolley, a journalist with The Chronicle newspaper, has been honoured by the Merck Foundation, clinching first place in the Print category of the 2024 Media Recognition Awards for the “More Than a Mother” campaign in West Africa.
Her award-winning story, published under the “More Than a Mother” initiative, tackled the social stigma surrounding infertility and emphasized the importance of empowering women and girls.
Jennifer was recognized for her ability to translate complex health and social issues into compelling narratives that drive public awareness and policy advocacy.
This marks her second consecutive win at the prestigious Merck Foundation awards. In 2023, she received recognition in the “Diabetes and Hypertension” category, demonstrating her wide-ranging commitment to public health reporting.
“Last year, I was honoured to win in the ‘Diabetes and Hypertension’ category, making this my second consecutive Merck Foundation award—but in a different category,” Jennifer said. “This reflects my commitment to tackling diverse issues through journalism.”
The “More Than a Mother” campaign, spearheaded by the Merck Foundation, seeks to break the silence and stigma around infertility while promoting women’s empowerment and the rights of girls across Africa and beyond.
The Foundation works with journalists, health experts, and policymakers to create a more informed and inclusive society.
Jennifer expressed gratitude to the Merck Foundation for recognizing the role of journalism in shaping change: “Thank you to Merck Foundation for recognizing the power of storytelling in driving advocacy around infertility stigma, women’s empowerment, and girls’ rights.”
Her win adds to Ghana’s growing list of media professionals making strides on the international stage, particularly in using journalism to amplify health and social justice issues.
In her role as a journalist and advocate, Jennifer continues to use her platform at The Chronicle to shed light on underreported issues, challenge harmful stereotypes, and highlight the voices of marginalized communities.
Her recent win serves as both recognition and motivation—proof that impactful journalism can spark conversations, challenge norms, and inspire action.
