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‘No evidence’: Bobrisky cleared of alleged evasion of justice

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Bobrisky

Despite the serious allegations, the panel’s phase one report found no evidence of Bobrisky’s alleged external stay or any related violations. The Federal Government’s investigative panel has cleared popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, of allegations that she evaded her jail term.

The panel’s report, released on Monday, October 21, confirmed that there was no evidence to support claims that Bobrisky spent part of her six-month prison sentence outside Kirikiri Correctional Centre.

Dr Uju Agomoh, Executive Director of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), presented the findings at the Ministry of Interior.

“The panel did not find any evidence thus far that suggested that Mr Okuneye slept outside the custodial centre during the period of his imprisonment,” Agomoh stated.

Bobrisky had been sentenced on April 12, 2024, for naira mutilation and released on August 5, 2024, after serving her term with the standard remission.

The investigation followed allegations from activist VeryDarkMan, who accused Bobrisky of spending her sentence in a lodge rather than at the Kirikiri facility, citing influence from a powerful godfather.

VeryDarkMan also released an audio recording in which Bobrisky allegedly claimed to have bribed Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials with ₦15 million to drop money laundering charges.

In response, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered a probe into the claims.

Credit: pulse.com.gh

Navah’s ‘Wayɛ bi’ featuring Yvonne Menz and El Manuel inspires worship

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Navah

Ghanaian Gospel Artiste domiciled in France, Navah has released ‘Wayɛ Bi,’ a heartfelt new single featuring Yvonne Menz and El Manuel.

The song, produced by Navah, continues his journey of thanksgiving, acknowledging God’s enduring goodness and mercy.

With lyrics rooted in personal testimonies and gratitude, ‘Wayɛ Bi’ stands out as a reflective anthem that will resonate with listeners, especially as the year draws to a close.

Built on a classic highlife ballad, ‘Wayɛ Bi’ offers a memorable melody combined with storytelling lyrics, making it an ideal choice for moments of thanksgiving.

Yvonne Menz and El Manuel add depth to the song by infusing their own life experiences, enhancing the praise-filled message.

Together, their harmonies and lyrical delivery bring out the essence of gratitude, encouraging listeners to reflect on God’s faithfulness.

The single was recorded live at Navah’s ‘Here I Am’ concert, which celebrated the 10th anniversary of his music ministry.

The live recording, held on August 4, 2024, at Holy Fire International Ministries in Takoradi, captured the energy and worship spirit of the night. Navah has hinted that ‘Wayɛ Bi’ is just the beginning, with more music from the concert to be released in the coming months.

With ‘Wayɛ Bi,’ Navah hopes to inspire many to look back on the year with gratitude and draw strength from God’s enduring mercies.

‘Wayɛ Bi’ is available on all streaming platforms.

I still work with Lynx Entertainment –Kuami Eugene 

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Kuami Eugene

Kuami Eugene has dispelled rumours that he has left Lynx Entertainment.

Speaking in an interview with Andy Dosty on Hitz FM, he said all the information about his exit from the label are mere rumours.

 

According by to him, if he leaves Lynx, he and the record label will release an official communication to that effect. 

“People are so impatient on social media. If there was an official exit like everyone is talking about, I’ve not put anything out, Lynx has not put anything out and people are just trying to end our contact for us. 

 

At the end of the day, if we are close to the level where we feel like ‘okay Kuami is no longer with Lynx and he is done’, we will put it out for everyone to know,” he said.

He therefore intimated that he still works with the record label.

 

“What I am trying to say it that me and Lynx are still working. I just sent a song to Richie two days ago on a project he is working on and he needs me to do one or two things for him, so we are so cool, and if I happen to leave there, we will put it out,” he further noted. 

Kuami is currently out with Belinda. 

Credit: myjoyonline.com

Mahama will improve the movie industry –Kafui Danku

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Kafui Danku

Celebrated Ghanaian actress and movie producer, Kafui Danku has expressed optimism that the flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Dramani Mahama will revitalise the movie industry if elected as President.

Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV’s entertainment talk show ‘The Chat’, Kafui Danku suggested that political involvement would play a role in the revitalization of the Ghanaian film industry which is plagued by funding and distribution issues.

She remained hopeful that the industry is on the cusp of a positive turnaround due to the anticipated return of John Dramani Mahama.

“The challenges have been there and it declined for a while; we have been having issues with funding, and distribution,” Kafui Danku mentioned.

The author of ‘Silence Is Not Golden’ book and ardent member of the NDC was quick to add; “They have been there forever, then again we still warming up for some good news in the future and we are warming up for John Mahama and the NDC to come and do it better.”

Kafui Danku is set to release her new film “Fear Women & Look” on November 1, 2024. Some of the cast in the ‘Fear Women & Look’ movie include Kobi Rana, Clinton, Salma Mumin, and Bella Agyemang.

Cuban power grid collapses for fourth time as hurricane arrives

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Cuban power grid collapses

Hurricane Oscar’s arrival to eastern Cuba has impacted millions of residents already facing days without power, as fresh attempts to restore much of the nation’s electric grid have failed.

In the capital city of Havana early Monday, people were seen outdoors in poor lighting, a few playing dominoes to kill time. Children are opting to sleep outside to cool off from the stifling heat indoors – schools have also been canceled until Thursday.

Oscar made landfall near Baracoa along Cuba’s eastern shores around Sunday afternoon as a Category 1 storm with winds of 80 mph. By Sunday night, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) announced that Oscar had weakened to a tropical storm and was moving toward the west-southwest of the country at 6 mph.

Earlier Oscar made landfall on Inagua Island in The Bahamas, with maximum estimated sustained winds of 80 mph, the NHC said.

On Sunday afternoon the Cuban Electrical Union announced that more than 216,000 people in Havana, a city of 2 million, had power restored. The power grid collapsed again later in the day –– for the fourth time since Friday.

Credit: cnn.com

Seoul wants N Korean troops to leave Russia immediately

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North Korean troops

South Korea has summoned the Russian ambassador, seeking the “immediate withdrawal” of North Korean troops which it says are being trained to fight in Ukraine.

About 1,500 North Korean soldiers, including those from the special forces, have already arrived in Russia, according to Seoul’s spy agency.

In a meeting with the ambassador Georgiy Zinoviev, South Korea’s vice-foreign minister Kim Hong-kyun denounced the move and warned that Seoul will “respond with all measures available”.

Mr Zinoviev said he would relay the concerns, but stressed that the cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang is “within the framework of international law”.

It is unclear what cooperation he was referring to. The ambassador did not confirm allegations that North Korea has sent troops to fight with Russia’s military.

Later on Monday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters the cooperation between the two nations is “not directed against third countries”.

He added it “should not worry anyone”, according to Russian state news agency Tass.

Pyongyang has not commented on the allegations.

South Korea has long accused the North of supplying weapons to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine, but it says the current situation has gone beyond the transfer of military materials.

Some South Korean media reports have suggested as many as12,000 North Korean soldiers are expected to be deployed.

Moscow and Pyongyang have stepped up cooperation after their leaders Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un signed a security pact in June, will pledges that their countries will help each other in the event of “aggression” against either country.

Last week, Putin introduced a bill to ratify the pact.

Credit: bbc.com

Mexican priest who spoke out against cartel violence killed

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The murder of Father Marcelo Pérez has caused outrage in Chiapas

Gunmen in Mexico have shot dead a Catholic priest who was an outspoken advocate for indigenous rights and who had condemned the violence plaguing his community.

Father Marcelo Pérez was killed after celebrating Mass in the southern state of Chiapas on Sunday, the prosecutor’s office said.

The Jesuit priest had spent almost two decades fighting for the rights of the Tzotzil indigenous group, of which he was a member.

The Jesuit Order said his murder should not be “minimised” as an isolated case – insisting it was part of the wave of violence that organised crime groups have unleashed in Chiapas.

“Father Marcelo has been a symbol of resistance and support in Chiapas, defencing the dignity, the rights of the people, and the construction of an authentic peace,” the Jesuit Order said.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said his murder was being investigated and would not go unpunished.

Mexico’s bishops’ conference described Father Marcelo as one of the “prophetic voices” that had fought for peace, and said justice in Chiapas had been silenced.

The priest was killed by two men on a motorcycle, who opened fire on his vehicle in the city of San Cristóbal de Las Casas.

The incident happened early on Sunday as Father Marcelo was returning to his parish after saying Mass in the Cuxtitali neighbourhood of the city.

He had been transferred to San Cristóbal de Las Casas after receiving death threats in the rural parish where he had previously worked.

The priest had tried to negotiate an end to the violence caused by clashes between a criminal gang and a vigilante group.

Credit: bbc.com

King Charles heckled by Australian Senator shouting ‘you’re not my King’

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Thorpe interrupted the ceremony before being escorted out by security

An Australian Senator has defended heckling King Charles and accusing him of genocide after he addressed Australia’s Parliament House, telling the BBC that “he’s not of this land”.

Lidia Thorpe, an Aboriginal Australian woman, interrupted the ceremony in the capital of Canberra by shouting for about a minute before she was escorted away by security.

After making claims of genocide against “our people”, she could be heard yelling: “This is not your land, you are not my King.”

But Aboriginal elder Aunty Violet Sheridan, who had earlier welcomed the King and Queen, said Thorpe’s protest was “disrespectful”, adding: “She does not speak for me.”

The ceremony concluded without any reference to the incident, and the royal couple proceeded to meet hundreds of people who had waited outside to greet them.

After her protest, Thorpe told the BBC she had wanted to send a “clear message” to the King.

Thorpe, who is an independent senator from Victoria, is among those who have advocated for a treaty between Australia’s government and its first inhabitants.

Unlike New Zealand and other former British colonies, a treaty with Indigenous peoples in Australia was never established. Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people emphasise that they never ceded their sovereignty or land to the Crown.

She called on the King to instruct the Parliament to discuss a peace treaty with the first peoples.

“We can lead that, we can do that, we can be a better country – but we cannot bow to the coloniser, whose ancestors he spoke about in there are responsible for mass murder and mass genocide.”

Thorpe, who was wearing a traditional possum skin cloak, described the late Queen Elizabeth II as “colonising” and was made to repeat her oath when she was sworn in as a senator in 2022.

There has been a long-held debate on how to tackle the glaring disparities between First Nations people and the wider population, including poorer health, wealth and education outcomes and greater incarceration rates.

Last year a referendum on giving greater political rights and recognition to Indigenous people was resoundingly rejected.

Credit: bbc.com

Let’s unite to develop our community -New Simiw Chief

By
NAABENYIN JOOJO AMISSAH
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Nana Nguando swearing to the Edina Manhen at the Anomansan palace

The newly installed chief of Simiw, a farming community in the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem Municipality, Nana Nguando IV, has called on his people to prioritise unity in their quest for development.

Nana Nguando swearing to the Edina Manhen at the Anomansan palace

According to Nana Nguando, peace and unity were fundamental pre-requisite for development, therefore, any community that desired development, first needed to give peace a chance.

This was made known by Nana Nguando during his colourful coronation held at Simiw Community Park to officially mark the beginning of his reign as the chief of the town and to legitimise his authority and power.

He stated that though Simiw, the predominant farming community was one of the oldest societies in the Edina traditional area, developments had eluded the community for a long time.

Nana Nguando walking majestically to podium

This, he said, affected the socio-economic well-being of the community and, therefore, made a passionate appeal to the people to come together in unity and trigger the needed communal spirit that would bring them development.

He mentioned the poor network from the Ankaful Prisons to the community, as an example of how badly the community has been left behind in terms of development.

Areas of priority

He promised to prioritise formal education in the community and strive to lure investors into the town to help create jobs so that the local people could work to earn decent incomes.

Nana Nguando enjoying a palanquin ride

“Simiw has vast arable land that could be used for large commercial farming and industrial purposes.

“We stand ready to welcome government or individual investors who are looking for land for development,” he said.

Appeal

Nana Nguando appealed to the government to build a befitting health facility in the town to help solve the health care needs of the people, saying their poor road, coupled with the lack of a hospital, always put his people at disadvantage.

Political neutrality

Nana Nguado assured the community that he would remain politically neutral as his current position debarred him from meddling in active partisan party politics.

Keynote address

Delivering a keynote address, Mr Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, an Accra based legal practitioner, eulogised Nana Nguado as development-oriented person and expressed the hope that his drive for development would positively impact his community.

He prayed for God’s guidance for the chief and gave an assurance that NDC led administration would prioritise the developmental needs of the community.

Request for land

The founder and CEO of COA Research and Manufacturing Limited, Professor Samuel Ato Duncan, who chaired the function said his outfit would require several acres of land in the town for the cultivation of medicinal plants.

According to Prof Duncan, the large-scale cultivation of his proposed medicinal plants would form part of his “Green Gold” revolution meant to add value to plants and other “green” raw materials around us.

Swearing of allegiance

After the successful coronation, which drew a large gathering of people to Simiw, Nana Nguando, who is also the Adontsin Hen of the Edina Traditional Area, swore an oath of allegiance to the paramount chief of Edina, Nana Kodwo Conduah VI.

Nana Conduah VI counselled the new chief to make serving of his people his topmost priority and also rule with humility, impartiality and endeavour to encourage investors into his community.

Feature: Eco-Friendly Finance: The Impact Of Banks On Sustainable Development

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Managing Director of Access Bank (Ghana) Plc, Olumide Olatunji

In today’s world, sustainability has become a key focus for banks. This is driven by the growing recognition that financial institutions play a critical role in addressing global environmental and social challenges.

Banks are increasingly prioritising sustainable practices, not only to meet regulatory demands and stakeholder expectations but also to manage risks and seize opportunities associated with the transition to a greener economy.

By integrating sustainability into banking operations, investment decisions, and lending practices, banks are positioning themselves as responsible corporate citizens, contributing to a more sustainable future while enhancing long-term value for their customers and shareholders.

In alignment with the Bank of Ghana’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) guidelines, which require banks to integrate ESG considerations into their operations, financial institutions like Access Bank is leading the way in incorporating ethical, social, and environmental dimensions in doing business.

Leading by Example

For many businesses, sustainability has only recently emerged as a priority. This shift is partly due to the fact that corporate responsibility has not always been a significant concern for customers, employees, or management. However, at Access Bank, the process of building a sustainable future for Ghana and other regions commenced in 2008 when the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility division was established. Since then, we have persisted in creating key initiatives that have effectively addressed the main social, environmental, and economic issues facing the communities and countries where we operate.

At Access Bank, our sustainability journey has led us to reform our business operations and continuously develop new strategies that aim to create a brighter future for our customers and the world. It has not been an easy journey; however, our dedication remains unwavering because it is the only way to achieve long-term prosperity.

Access Bank (Ghana) Plc has implemented various initiatives focused on financial inclusion, digital transformation, and environmental sustainability among others. Our strategy at Access Bank is built on three pillars:Sustainable Operations which aims to minimize environmental impact and optimizing resources to support economic, social environmental goals, Corporate Social Investment (CSI) to support community-focused initiatives in education, health and economic empowerment, and Sustainable Development Finance which focuses on funding projects that promotes long term economic growth.

One of the keyways in which financial institutions can contribute to sustainable development is through sustainable lending practices. By providing financing for projects and initiatives that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), banks can help to drive progress towards a more sustainable future.

With Access Bank’s strategy to finance the future, we provide innovative and sustainable financing solutions supporting businesses and individuals. We offer sustainable lending investments, partner development finance institutions (DFIs) and donor agencies, to raise funding for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

We operate in one of the most challenging markets in the world, with multiple developmental issues. Considering that challenges create opportunities; we are devoting our resources to achieving results and making an impact through the power of finance. As a result, we promote access to banking alongside social inclusion while contributing to the development of the communities where we are present and preserving the environment.

Another important way in which financial institutions can contribute to sustainable development is through their operations. As businesses expand, their resource consumption often grows as well. This can have a hugely damaging effect on the environment through an organization’s carbon emissions.

Environmental protection, therefore, should feature heavily in any company’s sustainability program. Access Bank’s Go Green strategy aims to create sustainable projects in clean technology, waste-to-wealth, greening Africa, emissions reduction, and client go-green support, contributing to the achievement of SDGs.

Access Bank Ghana has also collaborated with several organizations to support these sustainable initiatives. We have implemented various sustainability initiatives, including recycling programs like “Waste is Useful” and energy-efficient solutions such as solar-powered ATMs, reflecting our dedication to minimizing our carbon footprint.

These exemplify SDG 12, promoting responsible consumption, while our “Waste to Wealth” initiatives align with SDG 4 by fostering quality education and ensuring that no child is left behind and SDG 8, creating jobs and empowering local shoemakers in the Ashanti Region.

Collectively, these initiatives have helped reduce the bank’s carbon emissions by over 18,359t.Our CSI initiatives in 2024 have impacted over 358,632 individuals through education, entrepreneurship, health, and environmental efforts, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability.

Banks must recognize that their growth and success are inextricably linked to the health of the planet. That’s why at Access Bank we are committed to embedding sustainability into every aspect of our operations, from reducing our carbon footprint to supporting green initiatives that benefit our operational communities. Our goal is to create a future where financial prosperity and environmental stewardship go hand-in-hand, and we are proud to be leading the way in Ghana’s banking sector.

Employee satisfaction is a priority at Access Bank, which is why we emphasize employee safety and well-being through wellness programs and work-life balance initiatives. Under SDG 10, the bank employs persons living with disabilities while ensuring equal opportunities for all employees.

Accessibility is also a key focus; the bank has wheelchair-accessible buildings, inclusive banking services, and disability-friendly communication channels in place.Through these initiatives, we aim to create a supportive and inclusive environment that not only prioritizes employee satisfaction but also aligns with our broader goals of sustainability and social responsibility.

We believe that true sustainability is achieved when we empower connections that matter with our suppliers, employees, customers, and communities. By insisting on responsible practices, inclusive workplaces, and accessible services, we are building a future where everyone can thrive. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is unwavering, and we are proud to be a beacon of hope for a more sustainable and equitable world.

At Access Bank, we are not just banking on a sustainable future; we are building it. I am proud to say that our commitment to sustainable operations is transforming lives and livelihoods in the communities we serve.

This year, the bank grew its sustainability loan book by GHS456 million,contributing 15% of the bank’s entire loan book,the bank also raised over GHS480 million from Development Finance Institutions (DFI), impacting over 8,000 beneficiaries.In 2019, our parent company issued the first Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI)-certified corporate green bond in Africa, raising US$41 million from the issuance of green bonds, which offer a purposeful investment opportunity for individuals and institutions seeking to support renewable energy projects.

Also, in 2022, we successfully closed our second green bond issuance, raising $50 million. The step-up puttable green bond was issued under the Access Bank $1.5 billion Global Medium-Term Note Programme and is listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange.

By the end of 2024, we are aiming to take our impact to the next level by growing our sustainability loan book, empowering more MSMEs, and extending financial inclusion to thousands more individuals. This is not just about numbers but about creating a brighter future for Africa, and we are honored to be leading the way.

Collaboration and Partnerships

In the power of SDG 17, we have showcased the power of partnerships, united in our vision of a sustainable future for all.Achieving sustainability goals requires collaboration and partnerships across sectors. Financial institutions can collaborate and form alliances with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry peers to amplify the impact of their sustainability efforts.

By working together towards common goals, we can leverage collective expertise and resources to address complex environmental and social challenges, drive innovation, and create shared value for all stakeholders. Through strategic partnerships, we can also enhance industry reputation and make a meaningful difference.

Over the years, Access Bank has demonstrated SDG 17 by fostering sustainable economic growth by forming strategic partnerships with reputable organizations such as the Development Bank of Ghana (DBG) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Other partners include UNFPA, Rana Motors, Horseman shoes, Ghana Education Service, and the Ghana Football Association, among others.

These collaborations are not only integral to our mission of driving value creation within the economy, but they also play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future. By aligning with institutions that share our vision for innovation, financial inclusion, environmental responsibility, and sustainability, we ensure that businesses—both large and small—have the resources and support needed to thrive, adapt, and contribute to long-term economic prosperity.

At Access Bank, we understand that creating sustainable value is a collective effort. These partnerships enable us to offer tailored financial solutions, foster job creation, and enhance economic resilience across the communities we serve. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a future where businesses flourish, and societies benefit from inclusive, responsible growth.

Alone, we can make a difference, but together we can change the world. Access Bank believes that collaboration is the catalyst for a sustainable future. By forming strategic partnerships and alliances, we can pool our expertise, resources, and passion to tackle the complex challenges facing our planet and our communities.

Together, we can drive innovation, create shared value, and make a lasting impact that benefits all. Let us join forces to build a better world for generations to come.

Embracing Innovation

Innovation is key to driving sustainable change. Financial institutions should encourage a culture of innovation within the sector to develop creative solutions to tackle sustainability challenges. This could involve investing in green technologies, digitalizing processes to reduce paper usage, launching sustainable financial products and services, or developing initiatives to empower women and youth in the community.

Looking ahead, Access Bank Ghana is committed to continuing to innovate and find new ways to make a positive impact. At Access Bank, we believe that by embracing a culture of creativity and experimentation, we can unlock new solutions to the complex challenges facing our world.

From green tech to digitalization, sustainable finance to community empowerment, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. As we look to 2027 and beyond, we are excited to accelerate our impact, align our strategy with the SDGs, and prove that financial institutions can be a force for good in the world.

Conclusion

Sustainability is not just a niche concept but a responsibility that organizations must embrace to secure a better future for generations to come. By integrating sustainability into the DNA of the financial sector, collaborating with stakeholders, and driving innovation, we can pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow. Together, let us champion sustainability and create a legacy of positive change for our planet and its people.

By Olumide Olatunji (MD, Access Bank Ghana)

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