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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

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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)

Today’s UEFA Champions League Matches

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Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid

Real Madrid, Dortmund renew hostilities at the Bernabeu

A rematch of the 2023-24 Champions League final, holders Real Madrid and hopefuls Borussia Dortmund renew hostilities in Tuesday’s league phase encounter at the Bernabeu.

It has been almost five months since Carlo Ancelotti‘s men broke BVB hearts to win European Cup number 15, as the German giants were left to lament missed chance after missed chance at Wembley.

The reigning champions had at least got the better of Dortmund’s Bundesliga rivals Stuttgart 3-1 in their opening match of the tournament, but their three-point haul is currently not even good enough for a seeded knockout place; they sit 17th in the 36-team table at this fledgling stage.

Dortmund’s European excellence has come in contrast to their mixed domestic results; the visitors just about managed to scrape a nervy 2-1 win over St Pauli at the weekend, but they have lost their last two away games in the Bundesliga to Stuttgart (5-1) and Union Berlin (2-1).

An unwanted road record could now be set by Dortmund in the Champions League, as they have visited the Bernabeu seven times without ever managing to win, losing five times and drawing twice.

Borussia Dortmund learned a harsh lesson about what happens if you do not take your chances against Real Madrid, and they have more than made up for those deficiencies in the Champions League so far this term, even if Club Brugge and Celtic do not quite stack up to Los Blancos’ mastery.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

 

Arsenal welcome Shakhtar Donetsk to the Emirates

Having seen their Premier League unbeaten run come to a painful end, Arsenal hope to avoid suffering the same fate in the Champions League at home to Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night.

The Gunners have taken four points from their opening two matches in this year’s new-look edition, while their Ukrainian counterparts currently sit outside the coveted top 24 places in the league phase table.

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal

While Arsenal just about managed to keep Atalanta at bay on the opening matchday of the Champions League – thanks in no small part to the goalkeeping heroics of David Raya – Shakhtar were powerless to quell the Europa League holders in their last European affair.

Bukayo Saka did not make the cut at the weekend, and the 23-year-old remains a serious doubt for the visit of Shakhtar.

Jurrien Timber – who performed exceptionally against PSG – is in the same boat with his muscular problem, while Martin Odegaard (ankle), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) and Kieran Tierney (hamstring) are definitely missing, although the former has the slimmest chance of coming back for the Liverpool game.

A Gunners XI without Saka or Odegaard is one missing significant ingenuity, but even a rotated Arsenal side should have no problems sweeping aside Shakhtar, as long as their own indiscipline does not let them down again.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

 

Juve face another German opposition as they meet Stuttgart

Aiming to extend their perfect start in this season’s Champions League, Italian giants Juventus will meet Stuttgart for the first time ever on Tuesday evening.

Having won in Leipzig last time out, Juve now face more German opposition back on home turf; meanwhile, their struggling visitors have picked up just one point so far.

Dusan Vlahovic, Juventus

This week, Thiago Motta could become just the third Juventus coach to win his first three Champions League matches, after legendary duo Fabio Capello (2004) and Marcelo Lippi (1995), which would further highlight his arrival as one of Europe’s elite managers.

Dating back to Max Allegri‘s ill-fated second spell in charge, which concluded with a Coppa Italia triumph last season, Juve are unbeaten in their last 16 games across all competitions – but they left it late to beat 10-man Lazio at the weekend.

Ahead of Sunday’s Derby d’Italia against reigning champions Inter Milan, Motta’s men must now tackle Stuttgart.

Stuttgart have won just one of 11 games against Italian opposition to date, and none since beating Juve’s city rivals Torino in the UEFA Cup, way back in 1979.

As Stuttgart have won only twice on the road in 2024-25 – and one was against lower-level opponents in the DFB-Pokal – they have little hope of taking anything away from Turin.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

FIXTURES

AC Milan 17:45 Club Brugge  

Monaco 17:45 Red Star Belgrade

Arsenal 20:00 Shakhtar Donetsk

Aston Villa 20:00 Bologna

Girona 20:00 Slovan Bratislava

Juventus 20:00 Stuttgart

PSG 20:00 PSV 

Real Madrid 20:00 Dortmund 

Sturm Graz 20:00 Sporting CP

Court order arrest of a retired Nurse & Soldier 

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BERNICE BESSEY
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Court

Her Honour Basilia Adjei-Tawiah, presiding over the Circuit Court in Accra, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of two accused persons in a case involving conspiracy, attempted crime and engaging in land guard activities.

The accused, Akpene Asempa, a 64-year-old retired nurse and Mark Tetteh Laweh, a military officer, have failed to appear in court on three consecutive occasions, prompting the judge to issue the warrant.

Brief Facts of the Case

The Complainant, Dawood Akwasi Agyemang, is a businessman and caretaker of a residential property belonging to Lawyer Paul Abalga.

According to the Prosecution, on August 27, 2024 at approximately 7:00 pm, the first accused, Akpene Asempa, hired Adam Hamza, a Backhoe operator and a witness in the case, to demolish a fence wall belonging to Lawyer Abalga.

This action was carried out under the protection of armed military officers, including the second accused, Mark Tetteh Laweh.

Before the demolition could commence, the complainant called the police, who responded swiftly and arrested the accused persons, along with the backhoe operator, who is now a witness in the case.

The other military officers, upon seeing the police arrive, fled the scene in a military vehicle with registration number 53 GA 13.

Ongoing Investigations

Chief Inspector Wisdom Alorwu revealed that investigations are still ongoing to arrest the remaining accomplices.

The court has ordered that the accused be apprehended for their repeated failure to attend court hearings.

Achimota car dealer in court over alleged fraud

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BERNICE BESSEY
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Accra Circuit Court

Businessman Francis Asumda, aged 34, has been charged with defrauding by false pretences in a case currently being heard before the Accra Circuit Court, presided over by Mr. Samuel Bright Acquah.

Francis Asumda is alleged to have swindled an Architect, Irke Onyika, of a sum totaling GH¢64,000 and US$3,000 under the pretext of purchasing a 2020 Chevrolet Blazer from the United States for him.

The incident dates back to March 30, 2023 when Onyika, a resident of Taifa, Accra, approached Asumda, who operates as a car dealer in Achimota, with the intention of buying the vehicle.

According to court documents, Asumda quoted a price of US$8,700 for the 2020 Chevy Blazer. Onyika provided his Chevrolet Spark, valued at GH¢35,000 as part of the transaction and further paid GH¢29,000 and $3,000 in cash to the accused. A receipt was issued for these payments.

Despite promising to deliver the vehicle within three months, Asumda failed to meet the deadline.

Onyika’s repeated efforts to either secure the vehicle or obtain a refund proved unsuccessful. Following a complaint to the police, Asumda was arrested and admitted during interrogation that he had forwarded the money to his agent in the United States, but had lost communication with the agent.

Asumda pleaded with the police for more time to refund the money, eventually paying GH¢32,000 which was handed over to the complainant.

However, the full amount has not been refunded, leading to the current charges.

Asumda was granted bail in the sum of GH¢200,000 with two sureties, one of whom must be justified, following his plea of not guilty.

The court has adjourned the case to October 21, 2024 for further hearing.

The charges are being brought under Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

China Soon To Take Over Our Resources

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Opinion

Africa, is a full case study when it comes to rising to the heights of superpower to falling to the depth of slavery. Over 2,500 years BC to as recently as the 17th century AD, Africa had empires and kingdoms who were super powers and ruled the world. It was in Africa that the first university in the world, Sankore University was established, in Timbuktu, Mali in the 12th Century AD and students came from Europe to study there.

The sophisticated bureaucratic system and court procedures of the Songhai Empire are adopted today by this modern world. The Nubian kingdom of Kush was once the most powerful military nation in the world with the strongest navy.

Then all was lost. Black Africa fell flat and became slaves for the West and Arabs. The Europeans under the influence of alcohol, run sketches on the map of Africa and out of the mess, they created boundaries for nations which they named and came down to colonise; except Ethiopia, which fought out the invaders and Liberia which the West brought in freed slaves to join the indigenous ethnic groups of Kpelle, Bassa and others to form a nation.

And when the Europeans came, they took away our rich natural and mineral resources to build their countries and left us in slums and wretchedness.We struggled to be free. Our freedom came but was tied to the economic decisions the West took.

We decided to mistrust the West and started looking East for support to grow. And recently we saw in China, a partner to help us develop. We differentiated the Chinese from the Whites. The Whites came and took over our countries and directly rule us in what is called colonisation, and indirectly after we gained independence. But the Chinese are coming with no intention to enter into politics but are only in for business and development, we happily said, or so we thought.

What the Chinese have in mind is worse than what the White Man had. In the early 2000’s, I was with two African diplomats and was shocked to receive the information that whenever China is bringing down human workforce to Africa to embark on a project, majority of them are criminals, serving jail terms.

No doubt there is lawlessness and racism against Ghanaians on our home soil by the Chinese. For example, a certain Chinese woman by name Aisha Huang could enter into our forests, set up a camp and engage in illegal mining. Whenever an indigene mistakenly stepped into her grounds, she will shoot the person dead.

The Chinese dominated the illegal gold trade, from the galamsey sites to smuggling of stolen gold into their fishing vessels on high seas. The gold is stolen because by law all minerals under or on the ground are vested in our president for the people and for posterity.

When we started making noise about the conducts of the Chinese, one of their ambassadors warned us against accusing her people or we will be denied economic assistance and loan. Our leaders kept mute. Another ambassador told us that his country people do not know where our gold mines are, but we took them there so we must take the blame for the irresponsible and illegal mining the Chinese are encouraging our people to do. Our leaders kept mute.

The sad thing is, the Chinese may smuggle $3 billion worth of our gold out of the country every year and they do not compensate us let alone pay for it. When we go for $1 billion loan from China, it will take the proceeds from the sale of the gold they stole from us, and give it to us as loan with interest and other charges. And we are mandated to pay.

China’s approach to African nations is worse than what the West did to us. The West pilfered our resources, and China is also doing that. The West gives us loans, China is also doing that. When we default the West will not take over our resources but continue giving us more loans. But as for China, it will take over our very important resources and institutions in a new form of colonization. And many African countries have fallen victim to this.

It seems Ghana is soon going to be colonized by China. On October 11, 2024, Ghanaweb reported on its business page, that by an International Monetary Fund (IMF) report, the Chinese government would likely have access to our mineral and electricity revenues due to our failure to honour our loan agreement with China, which as at the end of 2022, stood at $1.9 billion.

Like seriously, after carefully executing a plot to offload its nationals into our forests to steal our gold, the Chinese are saying that today we owe them and must forfeit all our minerals and electricity to them. What about our gold they stole which all their ambassadors are aware of? They better go and collect their money from their people who came here to do galamsey, for the Chinese government will certainly know the culprits. Either that or we calculate how much gold was stolen by the Chinese and force China to payus the difference.

We were colonised before but this time we must join Asantes to fight any country attempting to colonize us.

Hon. Daniel Dugan

Editor’s note: Views expressed in this article do not represent that of The Chronicle

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