Ghana: Central bank to punish businesses, individuals who charge in dollars

ACCRA, May 10 (NNN-GNA) — The Bank of Ghana, BoG says it will punish businesses and individuals who charge dollars for their services in the country. According to the statement from BoG on Thursday, the general public must only use the Ghana Cedi (GH¢) and pesewas (GHp) to pay for…

Europe reject “ultimatums” from Iran as it eases nuclear curbs

BERLIN, May 10 (NNN-AGENCIES) — European countries said they wanted to preserve Iran’s nuclear deal and rejected “ultimatums” from Tehran, after Iran scaled back curbs on its nuclear program and threatened moves that might breach the pact. Iran announced steps on Wednesday to ease curbs on its nuclear program, in…

Zimbabwe court says main opposition leader illegitimate, party to challenge ruling

HARARE, May 10 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Zimbabwe’s High Court has declared Nelson Chamisa an illegitimate leader of the main opposition MDC party and ordered the movement to convene an extraordinary congress to choose a new leader after a month. The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) immediately said it would appeal the…

Early results suggest ANC to retain power in South Africa

PRETORIA, May 10 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Early vote tallies suggest South Africa’s ruling ANC party will retain power after an election on Wednesday, but analysts said its share of the vote could fall below 60 percent for the first time since the end of white minority rule. As of 0900 GMT…

Pres Trump says US ‘open to talk’ to Iran

WASHINGTON, May 10 (NNN-AGENCIES) — US President Donald Trump said that he is open to talks with the Iranian leadership, amid mounting tensions between Washington and Tehran. “What I would like to see with Iran, I would like to see them call me,” Trump told reporters at the White House.…

US seizes N.Korea freighter accused of violating sanctions

NEW YORK, May 10 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United States on Thursday announced the seizure of a North Korean cargo ship, saying it had violated international sanctions by exporting coal and importing machinery. “Our office uncovered North Korea’s scheme to export tons of high-grade coal to foreign buyers by concealing the…

Bangladesh: Cyclone ‘Fani’ causes loss of Tk 536.61 crore

DHAKA, May 10 (NNN-BSS) — Cyclonic storm ‘Fani’ caused a loss of about Taka 536.61 crore as it damaged homesteads, roads, crops, coastal embankments and fish firms across the country on May 4. “Homesteads worth Taka 78.14 crore were damaged due to ‘Fani’ while embankments worth Taka 251 crore, fish…

Guatemala: 7 killed in prison clash

GUATEMALA CITY, May 9 (NNN-EFE) — At least seven people were killed and a score of others wounded in a battle among two factions of inmates at the Pavon prison farm, 25km southeast of the Guatemalan capital. Though Vice President Jafeth Cabrera put the number of fatalities at three, EFE…

Cuba: Spanish gov’t, companies are key allies amid US sanctions

HAVANA, May 9 (NNN-EFE) — Cuba’s president thanked Spain’s government and Spanish companies for their continued support in the wake of the United States’ latest moves to tighten its embargo on the Communist-ruled island. Miguel Diaz-Canel on Tuesday afternoon received Spanish Industry, Trade and Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto and representatives…

Mexico rejects lifting of ban on U.S. lawsuits against firms in Cuba

MEXICO CITY, May 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Mexico’s government rejected a U.S. decision that allows U.S. citizens to file lawsuits against foreign companies using property seized in Cuba after 1959, and said it would protect any affected Mexican firms. Effective May 2, the Trump administration lifted a longstanding ban against American…