By Charity Nginyu
The recent Nkambe attack by separatist fighters has sent shockwaves through the nation, as the number of injuries surpasses 70, igniting widespread condemnation and calls for justice.
Bodies and personalities, both national and international have taken to social media to condemn the barbaric act which reports say claimed the life of a student.
In a Facebook post on Monday, February 12, 2024, the United States (US) Embassy in Yaoundé outrightly condemned the act, noting there is no justification for such an attack.
‘The U.S. Embassy condemns in the strongest possible terms the horrific February 11 attack in Nkambe, Northwest Region, that killed at least one person and left dozens more seriously injured,’ the Embassy wrote on their Facebook page.
They went on, ‘There is absolutely no justification for an attack against civilians or children in particular. We extend our condolences to the families of those killed and wish everyone who was injured a speedy recovery.’
The President of the R
epublic of Cameroon on his part reacted to the incident on his official Facebook page, ‘A heinous act was committed by cowardly criminals in Nkambe, North-West Region while young Cameroonians were celebrating the day dedicated to them,’ read a recent post on his official page adding, ‘I strongly condemn this terrorist attack.’
Cameroon’s Prime Minister, Dion Ngute in a post on X, formerly Twitter denounced the attack in question, saying it was intended to disrupt activities marking the Youth Day Celebration.
‘These acts of terrorism, which occurred on the very day of the festivities dedicated to Cameroon’s youth, and the day after the Message from the President of the Republic, His Excellency @PR_Paul _BIYA, to this important section of the population, were clearly intended to disrupt the prevailing patriotic atmosphere and stir fear in peoples’ hearts,’ he stated in the post.
Call for help amit condemnation
The Wimbum Cultural and Development Association (WICUDA) has pleaded to the population in Donga Ma
tung Division and beyond to assist in catering for victims of the attack.
The call was made via a communique signed by WICUDA General President, Rogers Nforgwei, today Monday, February 12.
At least one person was killed and dozens of others injured by an improvised explosive device during Youth Day march event on February 11, 2024, at Nkambe central subdivision in the North West region.
Source: Cameroon News Agency
The Access Bank Womenpreneur Pitch-A-Thon programme has graduated 50 women and women-led entrepreneurs in the agriculture value chain, equipped with knowledge to take their businesses to another height.
The Womenpreneur Pitch-A-Thon, now in its fifth season, aims to empower female entrepreneurs to improve on their businesses.
Of the 50 women who graduated, the top three received GHS100,000.00 each.
They were Madam Ruth Wewura Guribie, Chief Executive Officer, Sava Shea Company Limited; Madam Rosemond Afua Afful of Ayden Ventures, and Madam Augustina Akosua Asor Tufuor, Founder/Manager of Tropical Snacks.
The Access Bank MD’s special award of GHS20,000.00 for the most eco-friendly business went to Madam Hannah Aidoo of HA Farms.
Madam Pearl Nkrumah, Executive Director for Retail and Digital Banking, Access Bank Ghana, extended her heartfelt wishes to the finalists of season five and assured them of their unwavering support on their entrepreneurial journey.
She commended the partners, GIZ and Gopa AFC, fo
r their dedication and support towards the success of the programme.
She said last year’s edition focused on supporting women entrepreneurs in the agriculture and agri-related sectors; saying: ‘I’m proud to share that approximately 130 women-owned businesses have benefited from this programme.’
She announced a groundbreaking initiative – the Mastercard Foundation Bridge-in-Agric Loan, to solve the challenge many women entrepreneurs faced in accessing funds.
It would offer affordable loans at highly discounted rates, providing a crucial steppingstone to scale up their yourinesses, she said.
‘In our commitment to your success, we will continue to leverage strategic partnerships to develop your skill sets and create platforms for you to engage with equity investors for further business growth,’ she said.
‘We are excited to unveil the W Marketplace (Women in the Marketplace), an e-commerce platform that will connect you with buyers and enhance your market reach.’
Madam Matilda Asant-Asiedu, Group Head, Reta
il Banking, Access Bank Ghana, said: ‘Today, as we celebrate this graduation, let it be known that this isn’t the culmination of our shared journey.’
‘At Access Bank, we value not just transactions but transformational relationships. Your continuous growth is our priority, and to solidify our commitment, we proudly introduce the Womenpreneur Alumni group.’
Mr Christoph Pannhausen, Project Lead, GIZ AgriBiz Programme, said the GIZ was happy to be part of the empowering women initiative.
He assured the beneficiaries of the programme that each one of them would be assigned individual business coaches, who would be assisting them to grow their businesses.
Madam Ellen Ayensuaa Agyepong, CEO of El Food Services and Class Representative of the Season Five Pitch-A-Thon, expressed gratitude to Access Bank Ghana for empowering them.
‘Entrepreneurship is a lonely journey. Let’s continue to use the knowledge we have acquired to ensure that our businesses survive.’
Madam Guribie, one of the top three awardees, in an
interview with the Ghana News Agency, commended Access Bank Ghana for supporting and empowering their businesses.
Source: Ghana News Agency