Lesotho Wire

MTN Ghana has engaged students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on how to leverage on its digital platforms to shape their entrepreneurial skills.

The students were engaged at the 17th edition of the Success Africa Summit, held at the university’s campus in Kumasi, which served as a mentorship platform.

It was put together by the LEC Group, an educational hub focused on organising conferencing and training for the youths and sought to inspire and provoke greatness in young people by creating opportunities for them to connect with Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and accomplished personalities.

Since its commencement in 2008, organisers of the summit have been touring various university campuses across the country and parts of Africa to shape the lives of students as they prepare to navigate the labour market after school.

Being the main sponsors for the 2024 Summit, officials of MTN Ghana were on hand at the KNUST edition to interact with the over 1000 participants on its p
roducts and services.

Mr Samuel Andoh, the Territory Sales Controller for MTN Ghana, walked the participants through the benefits of using their various innovative products and services such as My MTN, MoMo and Ayoba Apps for the convenience.

‘All you need is a smart phone to help you get these apps on your device to access numerous resources on the internet, while protecting your money through the MoMo app.’

He also touted how one could still chat, watch videos and get updates for free on the Ayoba App even without data.

Mr Andoh also spoke about MoMo fraud and urged the students not to entertain any call from any source apart from 0243300000, which was the only number on which MTN contacts its customers.

Mr Albert Prempeh Kusi, Executive Director of LEC Group, said his outfit believed the future of Africa was for young people and that they were committed to providing the platform to mentor the youth.

‘Participants will be walking away with tools, knowledge and information that can enhance their lives,
‘ he noted.

He disclosed that over 250,000 students had already been impacted since the inception of the summit in 2008 and was looking forward to visiting about 15 universities this year.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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

The last two Afghan prisoners who had been in the U.S.-run Guantanamo prison for years, were set free and returned to Afghanistan’s capital Kabul on Monday, the state-run Bakhtar news agency reported.

‘Two Afghan prisoners formerly held at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp have returned to Kabul, marking the completion of the release process for all detainees associated with the Islamic Emirate,’ the news agency said, without providing more details.

Following the invasion of U.S.-led coalition forces in Afghanistan in late 2001, which led to the dismissal of the then Taliban-led Islamic Emirate, the U.S. military arrested a large number of Afghans including Taliban members, on the charge of cooperation with the al-Qaida terror network, and shifted them to the Guantanamo jail.

Former detainees included some serving ranking officials of the Afghan caretaker government.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Cote D’ Ivoire are the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Champions after beating Nigeria 2-1 in the finals of the competition on Sunday.

A packed-to-the-rafters Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan was the perfect setting for the Elephants to add a third African title in front of their loyal supporters who rallied them to the comeback victory.

But it was a first half goal by William Ekong for the Super Eagles that made them looked perfect for a fourth title before a leveler by Franck Kessie and late strike by dangerman, Sebastian Haller secured Africa’s most coveted title for Cote d’Ivoire.

Haller proved the hero, scoring the decisive goal as the Elephants completed a sensational comeback.

The hosts looked doomed after William Troost-Ekong’s first half opener for Nigeria in Abidjan.

But Frank Kessie levelled right after the break before Haller, who recovered from cancer last year, sparked ecstatic scenes by firing the late winner.

With the backing of the crowd, it came as no surprise for the hosts to t
ake control of the game from the opening whistle, while Nigeria opted for the counter.

Danger-man, Haller was the first to ask questions of Stanley Nwabali after almost snatching an early lead from a well taken cross by Simon Adingra for the ball but his stretched-out leg could not reach.

Veteran attacker, Max Gradel showed great improvisation in the 20th minute with an unexpected acrobatic strike that caught the entire defense off guard but was unlucky to see his strike hit the side netting.

The Elephants’ momentum was cut short just before the break after a lapse in concentration by the Ivorian defense in a corner saw Super Eagles skipper, Ekong rise above his markers to head home the opener to give his side the lead.

Coming back from the recess, the Elephants despite being a goal down, continued with their great attacking momentum against a stubborn Nigerian defence.

Coming back from the recess, the Elephants despite being a goal down, continued with their great attacking momentum against a stubborn N
igerian defense.

On the hour mark, a stinging strike from range by Kouakou Kossounou sent almost found the bottom corner but was parried to safety by Nwabali.

It was from the resulting corner that the Elephants found the back of the net thanks to a delightful delivery from Adingra that connected with Frank Kessie who levelled matters with a header.

The backing of the roaring crowd continued to rally the Elephants forward as they increased the tempo with the troublesome Adingra being a menace to the Super Eagles defense.

The 22-year-old caused more harm to the Nigerians after doing well to dribble past Zaidu Sanusi to send a cross that saw Haller get the all-important lead in the 81st minute.

With victory in-sight, the Elephants held on for the historic victory that sees them rise to the highest seat of continental football as champions of Africa.

It capped an incredible turnaround for Cote d’Ivoire after almost crashing out in the group stages. Their campaign appeared over after a disastrous 4-0 loss to
Equatorial Guinea.

Yet interim boss Emerse Fae inspired a spirited fightback to reach the final. This resilient collective spirit shone through again as they recovered from Troost-Ekong’s opener.

His winner sealed a historic comeback amid emotional scenes in Abidjan. Eight years after their last title, Cote d’Ivoire reign again as kings of Africa.

This triumph represents vindication for Fae after stepping in following a desperate start under Jean-Louis Gasset.

Left seemingly down and out, the Elephants have instead rediscovered their roar to win the AFCON on home soil in the most dramatic fashion.

Source: Ghana News Agency