The recognition comes in the Gender‑Based Violence (GBV) Reporting category, acknowledging Ceesay’s outstanding contribution to raising awareness on critical social and public health issues. The Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards are an international initiative celebrating journalists across Africa who use their platforms to challenge harmful social norms, promote gender equality, and amplify the voices of vulnerable women and girls.
Through her work at The Point, Ceesay has consistently highlighted the struggles of women, children, persons with disabilities, survivors of gender‑based violence, and other marginalised communities. Her reporting has placed The Gambia among nations recognised for harnessing the power of the media to drive social change.
The presentation at the State House marked a significant moment not only for the recipient but also for Gambian journalism, reflecting the growing international recognition of local reporters committed to public interest journalism and advocacy.
The Merck Foundation’s “More Than a Mother” campaign is a pan‑African movement aimed at breaking the stigma surrounding infertility while tackling broader challenges such as gender‑based violence, girls’ education, women’s empowerment, diabetes, and other pressing public health concerns. Its annual media awards honour journalists whose work informs, educates, and inspires positive transformation.
First Lady Fatoumatta Bah‑Barrow congratulated Ceesay on the prestigious recognition, wishing her continued success in her career and advocacy against gender‑based violence.
Reacting to the honour, Isatou Ceesay Bah expressed deep gratitude to the Merck Foundation, describing the award as a testament to the importance of responsible journalism in advancing human rights and social justice.
“This recognition is not just for me but for every journalist who believes in telling stories that matter. It is an encouragement to continue giving a voice to women, children and vulnerable communities whose stories deserve to be heard. I remain committed to using journalism as a tool for advocacy, accountability and positive social transformation,” she said.
She dedicated the award to The Point newspaper for providing her with an enabling environment for impactful journalism, thanking Pap Saine, Baba Hydara, editors and colleagues for their unwavering guidance and support. Ceesay also acknowledged the encouragement of her family and friends, noting that the honour serves as motivation to continue providing journalism that contributes to national development and the protection of human rights.
The Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards attract entries from across Africa, recognising excellence in print, online, radio, television and multimedia reporting on issues that promote healthier, more inclusive and equitable societies. The State House ceremony brought together government officials, development partners, media practitioners and other stakeholders in celebration of excellence in journalism and the role of the media in advancing national and continental development.
