Collective Fixing of Consultation Fees by Lawyers in Cameroon: A Legal & Ethical Analysis of the North West Region “Notice to the Public”

 By Tanyi-Mbianyor Samuel Tabi*

On 27 January 2026, a document titled “Notice to the Public – Consultation Fee” was issued under the letterhead of the Cameroon Bar Association, referencing a purported resolution taken by lawyers resident in the North West Region The notice declares that consultation fees for advocates practising in the region “shall henceforth be” fixed at 100,000 FCFA, described as a minimum amount above which the advocate may negotiate depending on the nature of the brief. The document is signed by Barrister Njie Jude Mokom, being, “The Bar President’s Special Delegate – North West Region” and bears the stamp of the Cameroon Bar Association. On its face, the notice purports to bind all advocates practising in the North West Region and to impose disciplinary consequences for non-compliance.

This essay examines the legality, authority, and ethical implications of this document within the framework of Cameroonian law governing the legal profession. It argues that the notice, insofar as it purports to impose a region-wide minimum consultation fee and threatens disciplinary sanctions for deviation, is ultra vires, inconsistent with the law organizing the legal profession, contrary to the Internal Rules and Regulations of the Cameroon Bar, and incompatible with foundational principles of professional independence, freedom of fees, and client autonomy. The essay further situates the analysis within comparative professional regulation and competition principles to underscore the seriousness of the issues raised.

The Legal Status of the Document: Authority and Normative Hierarchy

The document in question is styled as a “Notice to the Public” rather than a regulation, circular of the Bar Council, or decision of a disciplinary body. It refers to a “resolution taken by lawyers resident within the North West Region” on 23 January 2026. Critically, it does not purport to be a decision of the Bar Council, nor does it reference approval by that body or by the General Assembly of the Bar. Under Law No. 90/059 of 19 November 1990 organizing the legal profession in Cameroon, normative authority within the Bar is structured and hierarchical. Binding professional norms emanate from: Statute (Law No. 90/059); the Internal Rules and Regulations of the Cameroon Bar Association; Decisions of the Bar Council acting within its statutory competence; and Disciplinary decisions rendered in accordance with prescribed procedures.

A resolution adopted by a group of lawyers resident in a particular region does not, by itself, possess normative force capable of binding all advocates or grounding disciplinary sanctions. The document’s attempt to elevate such a resolution into a mandatory rule raises immediate concerns of institutional competence and legality.

The Role of the Bar Council and the Limits of Delegation

The Bar Council is the supreme deliberative and disciplinary organ of the Cameroon Bar. While regional representatives and special delegates may act as administrative representatives of the Bar President, they do not possess autonomous legislative or regulatory power. There is no provision in Law No. 90/059 or the Internal Regulations that authorizes a regional delegate—or lawyers resident in a region collectively—to fix professional fees or impose disciplinary sanctions for non-compliance with such fixation.

Accordingly, the notice’s assertion that violation of the stated consultation fee “shall result to disciplinary sanctions” is particularly problematic. The same raises significant concerns, is particularly troubling and objectionable and cannot be let to avail the lawyers resident in the North West Region.

Freedom of Fees Under Cameroonian Law and Professional Regulation

Cameroonian law recognizes the advocate as a member of a liberal profession entitled to remuneration for services rendered. This remuneration is governed by the principle commonly described as liberté des honoraires. Under Article 65 of the Internal Rules and Regulations of the Cameroon Bar, lawyers are entitled to professional fees agreed with their clients, and such fees must be determined with reference to recognized criteria including complexity, time spent, urgency, and the importance of the interests involved. The Internal Regulations further require lawyers to inform clients of the modalities for determining fees and to maintain transparency through detailed accounts. Importantly, while fixed or lump-sum fees may be agreed with clients, such agreements are individual and case-specific. The regulations expressly prohibit quota litis arrangements, underscoring that fee autonomy is not absolute but structured.

The notice under analysis fundamentally misconceives the nature of fee autonomy. The freedom to determine fees belongs to the individual lawyer, exercised in a bilateral relationship with the client. It does not belong to a collective of lawyers acting together to impose minimum cost of services rendered or to be rendered. By declaring that consultation fees “shall henceforth be” 100,000 FCFA across an entire region, the notice replaces individualized negotiation with a uniform, mandatory standard. This directly contradicts Article 65’s emphasis on case-by-case assessment and individual discretion. The assertion that the stated amount is merely a “minimum” does not cure the defect; minimum price-fixing is still price-fixing.

Professional Independence and Ethical Obligations

Professional independence is one of the foundational values of the legal profession in Cameroon. The Internal Rules and Regulations of the Bar require advocates to act with independence, dignity, probity, and humaneness. Independence includes freedom from improper influence not only by clients and public authorities, but also by colleagues. The notice undermines this independence by subjecting individual lawyers to a collective mandate. A lawyer who might otherwise choose to charge less—for example, to accommodate a vulnerable client or to reflect the simplicity of a matter—is deprived of that discretion. The threat of disciplinary sanctions for deviation compounds the coercive nature of the arrangement.

Ethical regulation is particularly sensitive to forms of peer pressure that distort professional judgment. The document explicitly states that “any violation of this resolution shall result to disciplinary sanctions,” thereby transforming collegial consensus into coercive enforcement. Such pressure is incompatible with the ethical requirement that lawyers exercise independent professional judgment in all aspects of their practice, including billing.

Client Autonomy and Access to Justice

The uniform imposition of a 100,000 FCFA consultation fee significantly restricts client choice. Clients are deprived of the ability to seek lower-cost consultations for straightforward matters or preliminary advice. The notice thus imposes a financial barrier at the very entry point to legal services. Access to justice is not an abstract ideal; it is directly affected by pricing structures. Consultation fees often determine whether a client can even obtain initial legal advice. A mandatory regional minimum, risks excluding economically vulnerable clients and undermining public confidence in the profession.

Also, while predictability in fees may be desirable, transparency does not require uniformity. Ethical transparency is achieved through clear communication and informed consent, not through collective price mandates. The notice conflates these concepts and, in doing so, sacrifices client autonomy for administrative convenience.

Collective Price-Fixing as a Cartel-Like Practice

Although lawyers are regulated professionals, they remain economic actors operating in a market for legal services. A region-wide agreement to fix minimum consultation fees bears the hallmarks of collective price-fixing, a practice widely condemned in competition law. Even where professional regulation permits certain restrictions in the public interest, collective price-fixing is rarely justified. It eliminates price competition, prevents market differentiation, and artificially inflates costs to consumers. Comparative experience reinforces this conclusion. In jurisdictions such as France and Canada (including Quebec), professional bodies may issue non-binding fee guidelines, but mandatory tariffs imposed by practitioners themselves have been criticized or invalidated as incompatible with both professional independence and competition principles. Courts and regulators have consistently rejected arguments that professional dignity justifies price-fixing.

This notice coming from the lawyers resident in the North West region of Cameroon mirrors precisely the types of practices that have attracted regulatory sanction elsewhere. Its existence therefore exposes the Bar to reputational and potentially regulatory risk.

Within the present dispensation, can a lawyer who violates this notice be punished?

The question at hand is whether, under the current legal and regulatory framework governing the legal profession in Cameroon, a lawyer who charges consultation fees contrary to the notice under review can lawfully be subjected to disciplinary sanctions.

The foremost consideration is the legal status and authority of the notice itself. The document is styled as a “Notice to the Public” issued by lawyers resident in the North West Region and signed by the Bar President’s Special Delegate for that region. However, it is not a formal regulation or decision emanating from the Cameroon Bar Council—the supreme governing and disciplinary body under Law No. 90/059 of 19 November 1990, which organizes the legal profession. Binding professional rules and disciplinary norms derive solely from the statute, the Internal Rules and Regulations of the Cameroon Bar, decisions of the Bar Council acting within its statutory competence, or disciplinary decisions made pursuant to due process. A regional resolution or notice adopted by a subset of lawyers does not constitute a valid normative act capable of binding all lawyers or grounding disciplinary sanctions.

Therefore, the notice does not possess the requisite legal authority to impose binding consultation fees or to create disciplinary offenses for non-compliance. At best, it is an unfortunate usurpation of the role of the Bar Council. The Bar Council must distance itself from this against the risk of being cited by the public for complicity to undermine itself, the public and the law. The imposition of a uniform minimum consultation fee across a region amounts to collective price-fixing, which conflicts with the individual autonomy granted to advocates. No provision in the governing law or regulations authorizes any body or official within the Bar to impose such a mandatory fee schedule.

Furthermore, disciplinary action against lawyers must be based on breaches of valid professional norms and conducted through established procedures guaranteeing fairness and due process. Sanctions may only be imposed by competent disciplinary authorities on the basis of recognized violations. Since the North West Region consultation fee notice is not a recognized professional norm, charging fees below the stated amount cannot be deemed a disciplinary offense. Any attempt to discipline a lawyer solely for such fee deviation would be ultra vires and open to legal challenge. The notice’s issuance on official Bar letterhead with the Bar’s seal risks creating the false impression of legality and binding authority. However, the absence of authorization from the Bar Council or applicable statutory basis means that disciplinary enforcement on this ground would constitute institutional overreach and undermine the rule of law governing the profession.

Permissible Alternatives to the Impugned Notice

The concerns that may have motivated the notice—such as underpricing, lack of professionalism, or inconsistency in billing—can be addressed through lawful means. These may include: non-binding guidance on reasonable consultation fees; training and sensitization on ethical billing practices; promotion of written fee agreements; and targeted regulation of legal aid fees through proper channels.

None of these alternatives require collective price-fixing or coercive enforcement.

Lawyers in the North West Region who are concerned about issues such as inconsistent consultation fees, underpricing, or lack of professionalism have several lawful avenues to address these challenges without resorting to impermissible collective fee-fixing. One effective approach is to advocate for the Cameroon Bar Council to issue non-binding fee guidelines or recommendations. Such guidelines can provide useful benchmarks for reasonable and ethical fee structures that reflect the local context, complexity of matters, and professional standards. By remaining advisory rather than mandatory, these guidelines would respect each advocate’s individual autonomy to negotiate fees with clients while promoting transparency and predictability in legal service pricing. This balanced approach fosters uniformity in professional conduct without infringing on the fundamental principle of liberté des honoraires.

Furthermore, lawyers may pursue educational and training initiatives to raise awareness of ethical billing practices, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and transparency with clients. Encouraging the widespread adoption of written fee agreements can also enhance client understanding and trust, minimizing disputes over fees. Where concerns pertain to access to justice or affordability, lawyers and the Bar may seek to influence policy through appropriate channels to regulate fees in legal aid or pro bono services, ensuring fairness without imposing unlawful collective mandates. These lawful alternatives align with statutory requirements, uphold professional independence, and contribute to strengthening the integrity and reputation of the legal profession in Cameroon.

Conclusion

The “Notice to the Public – Consultation Fee” issued on 27 January 2026 for the North West Region represents a profound misunderstanding of the legal and ethical framework governing the Cameroonian legal profession. By purporting to impose a mandatory regional consultation fee and threatening disciplinary sanctions for non-compliance, the notice contravenes the principle of freedom of fees, undermines professional independence, restricts client autonomy, and resembles impermissible collective price-fixing.

Within the hierarchy of professional norms, the document lacks lawful authority and is inconsistent with both Law No. 90/059 of 19 November 1990 and the Internal Rules and Regulations of the Cameroon Bar Association. Far from protecting the dignity of the profession, it risks eroding public trust and exposing the Bar to legal and ethical challenge. The integrity of the legal profession in Cameroon is best preserved through adherence to rule-based regulation, individual ethical judgment, and respect for client autonomy—not through regionally imposed fee mandates unsupported by law.

In conclusion, under the present legal dispensation, a lawyer who charges consultation fees below the fixed minimum of 100,000 FCFA as stipulated in the 27 January 2026 North West Region notice cannot lawfully be punished through disciplinary sanctions. The notice lacks normative authority, conflicts with the statutory regime granting fee autonomy, and fails to provide a valid legal basis for disciplinary proceedings. Disciplinary sanctions can only be imposed in respect of breaches of legally valid professional rules adopted or sanctioned by competent authorities following due process. Lawyers remain entitled to set fees individually with clients, subject to existing ethical standards and transparency obligations. The Cameroon Bar Association should therefore clarify the invalidity of the notice, refrain from enforcement attempts, and address any concerns regarding fee practices through lawful and ethical regulatory measures consistent with the legal framework.

*Tanyi-Mbianyor Samuel Tabi is a playwright, poet and aphorist. Called to Bar in 2003, he is a member of the Cameroon Bar Association and Managing Partner at Lex Lata Law Chambers in Buea, a private law corporation he founded in 2003.

 

African Bar Association: Barrister Tanyi-Mbianyor is New Chair of Cameroon Chapter

By Christopher Ambe

Barrister Tanyi-Mbianyor:New Chair, AfBA Cameroon

Barrister Tanyi-Mbianyor Samuel Tabi has been commissioned into office as the new Chairperson of the Cameroon Chapter of the African Bar Association (AfBA), taking over from Barrister Dr. Enow Benjamine Agbor, who dutifully served his term.

AfBA, established in 1971, is a professional body that unites individual lawyers and national legal associations across Africa. The association seeks to foster professional exchange, advance legal reform, and position law as the foundation of Africa’s socio-economic and political development. Its headquarters is in Abuja, with its functional office located in Lagos, Nigeria.

Barrister Tanyi-Mbianyor was recently commissioned into office by Senior Barrister Ajong Stanislaus, AfBA Vice President in charge of Central Africa ,during a well-attended virtual ceremony marked by optimism and renewed commitment to the ideals of the legal profession, which the latter chaired.

Also installed alongside were Barristers Chia Blessing Newu as Secretary General, Awungnjia Tetchounkwi as Treasurer, and Sara Orelie Ngo Bitanga as Public Relations Officer (PRO).

 Barrister Tanyi Mbianyor is expected to appoint other members to complete his executtive and swing into action.

AfBA President, High Chief Eddie Mark Ibrahim, was represented during the virtual conference by Barrister Rudolf Ezieni, who is AfBA Executive Director and Vice President in charge of Administration.

The latter extended AfBA President's congratulatory message to the Barrister Tanyi Mbianyor-led Cameroon Chapter exco and expressed his confidence in their ability to lead AfBA Cameroon to higher heights .

The ceremony assembled senior members of the legal profession from Cameroon, Nigeria, Sierra Leon, Zambia, South Africa, and many others across the African continent.

Barrister Tanyi-Mbianyor holds an LLB (University of Yaounde II, Soa, Cameroon), an LLM in Common Law from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, Canada and a Master’s degree in Public Administration (Walden University).

Although residing in Canada , Barrister Tanyi-Mbianyor maintains strong professional ties to Cameroon, frequently returning to assist colleagues at Lex Lata Law Chambers and appearing before Cameroonian courts..

 After becoming a full-fledged lawyer, he founded in 2003 Lex Lata Law Chambers, a private law firm in Buea , Capital of Southwest Region of Cameroon, which up to date is operational.

Although absent during the virtual ceremony, the Immediate Past Chair of the Cameroon Chapter, Barrister Dr. Enow Benjamin Agbor ,reiterated his commitment to the ideals and objectives of AfBA and pledged his availablity to the new chapter executive body.

 Chief Charles Taku, AfBA Life Member and member of the Association’s Governing and Executive Councils, commeneded Barrister Tanyi-Mbianyor's professionalism ,noting that “the reward for hard work is more work".

Chief Taku said ,“I personally know [ Barrister Tanyi-Mbianyor] to be a workaholic...

 “This elevation is recognition of sustained commitment and service. I congratulate the team and urge them to remain focused, disciplined, and to ignore distractions.”

Barrister Tanyi-Mbianyor has been commited member of AfBA for years. In 2019, he was Director of Cabinet and Personal Assistant to the Chair of AfBA, Cameroon Forum. In 2023, he served as AfBA Vice Chair for Cameroon, a position he held until his elevation to Chairperson on December 19^th 2025.

 Other prominent legal personalities who attended the ceremony included Barrister Serge Martin Zangue, Secretary General of Cameroon Bar Association who sat in for the President of the Cameroon Bar Association, Barrister Mbah Erick Mbah; Barrister Gbaka Ernest Acho, President of the General Assembly of Cameroon Bar Association; Senior Barrister Miyoba Bernadette Muzumbwe of Zambia, a former Bar Council Member; Mafor Mbunya Gladys; Senior Barrister Nkafu Julius .

 Other AfBA country chairpersons present were Barristers Nathelie Seya of Central African Republic and Tejan of Sierra Leon.

BarristerTanyi-Mbianyor: The Lawyer, Administrator & Rights Advocate

 Barrister Tanyi-Mbianyor's rise to the office of Chairperson is grounded in his distinguished legal scholarship, human rights advocacy, and institutional leadership in Cameroon and Canada.

He holds an LLB from the University of Yaounde II, Soa, Cameroon, where he received his foundational legal training. He later pursued advanced legal education abroad, earning an LLM in Common Law from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, Canada, one of North America’s most respected law faculties.

 Barrister Tanyi-Mbianyor also holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Walden University, reflecting advanced training in governance, policy development, and public-sector leadership.

He began his legal career in 2001 at Eno Law Chambers in Buea, where he completed his articling (supervised practical legal training after law school). Upon completion, he was retained as a staff lawyer, gaining early experience in litigation and legal advisory work.

 In 2003 after becoming full-fledged lawyer, he founded Lex Lata Law Chambers, a full-service private law firm in Buea that continues to operate.

 Barrister Tanyi-Mbianyor has also built a distinguished record in human rights and public service.

Barrister Tanyi-Mbianyor: Committed to AfBA's Ideals

 He has served as Human Rights Advisor at the Ontario Human Rights Legal Support Centre in Toronto Canada, Manager of Human Rights and Community Engagement at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Executive Director of Grand Council Treaty #3 in Kenora, and Program Manager for Diversity and Inclusion at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Manager of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Boost Child and Youth Advocacy Centre in Toronto Canada.

These roles have placed him at the intersection of law, policy, public administration and community engagement, as he has been addressing systemic discrimination, advancing equity initiatives, and strengthening institutional accountability.

A Research Fellow at Walden University’s School of Public Policy and Administration,  Barrister Tanyi-Mbianyor continues to contribute to scholarly and policy-oriented discourse on governance and rights-based institutional reform.

 

Cameroon: New Family Head for Moghamo Community in Buea

Mbacham J. Ndum( covered with umbrella),new Family Head being presented

By Zifac Fatima

The Moghamo community in Buea has  filled a vacuum left by the demise of their Family (Clan) Head, Pa Ngwan, five years ago. After 5 years of searching, Mbacham John Ndum has been  voted to serve as the new  family head.

 Mr. Ndum was installed as the new Family Head for Buea Chapter alongside a host of councilors ( mukums), last March 15, during a cultural ceremony.

They are expected to promote the Moghamo culture and traditions in Buea.

The event was graced by a council of traditional rulers, the Chief of Wokoko Buea HRH  Mboa Emelson and nine  Fons of Moghamo, including HRM Fon Richard Ayong Fomba of Enyoh ,who is the Chairman of Moghamo Fons’ Conference.

Moghamo is under the Momo division of the North West Region of Cameroon. It is made up of 22 villages each with its own fon . All the people from these 22 villages based in Buea are under the canopy of the family head. The family head is not a Fon of any village; he can only act as the representative of all the Fons of Moghamo in Buea and is not entitled to the honour and privileges reserved for fons.                    

The position of Family Head is a lifelong appointment.  The  family head rules till death.

Mbacham John hails from Ashong, one of the villages under Moghamo. He has been living in Buea for about 35 years now. He is married and father of seven. He is a business man. 

The President of the Moghamo Cultural and Development of Association (MOCUDA) Buea, Kock Geoffred, in his address, expressed gratitude to their host, HRH Chief Mboa for his support and hospitality. He also acknowledged the presence of the Fons of Moghamo and urged them to encourage their subjects to join MOCUDA Buea so that together they can promote their culture and traditions and build a stronger and more united Community.

The president emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting the Moghamo culture and traditions. and outlined several initiatives aimed at achieving this goal. These initiatives include a cultural revival program, a language preservation program, a traditional dance and music troupe and community development projects. 

Fons and Notables of Moghamo were present at the ceremony 

The new family head emphasized the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence among the Moghamo people, stating that his vision is to bring the Moghamo people together and make sure they live in peace and unity in Buea. “We will not go to the  police to seek solutions to our problems. We will try to solve our problems ourselves, so that we can move forward as one people,” he said

Mr. Ndum also stressed the need for the youths to learn more about their cultural heritage, promising he would put more effort into teaching the youths traditional dances and the Moghamo culture in general.

The Fon of Ashong, HRH  Christopher Mbah Mbafor, was proud having one of his own sons from Ashong as the new clan head. “I am a happy man, and I will be happier if he lives up to expectations because if tomorrow he is a failure, it will not be good,” he said. Fon Mabafor promised to guide the new clan head behind -the- scenes in  his functions. 

The Fon also advised Mr.Ndum to lead with objectivity and impartiality. “The keyword to leadership is objectivity and impartiality; that’s what will make you a successful leader,” he told the new family head .

Fon Mbafor said the position of family head was vacant for five years because they did not want to be in a hurry to get just anybody as family head. “We need to drill him very well especially when someone is needed to lead in this socio-economic crisis, so we take time to test and select a worthy candidate,” he explained. 

Fon Mbafor’s message to the people of Moghamo in Buea was a call for  peace, unity and respect. “Being out of the village in people’s land they must give respect to their host, respect their landlords and accord their host traditional rulers the same respect they give to Moghamo Fons if not they will not live happily,” he told the Press.

Talking to the Press, the President of MOCUDA Buea said the role  of the family head is to promote their culture, bring together the people of Moghamo in Buea and encourage them to participate in the development of the 22 villages that make up the Moghamo Clan. 

Highlights of the event included the beautiful display of traditional dances, one of which was led by the Fons shortly after the cultural rites of the installation were performed.

Tiko:Over 17 m Fcfa raised for Ashong water project

Fongoh and Partners at the fundraiser In Tiko, Cameroon

By Zifac Fatima

The Ashong Cultural and development Association (ASCUDA), Mutengene Branch, hosted a successful 2024 Annual General Meeting () of ASCUDA on Saturday, November 6 at the Tiko Airport Hotel, during which the sum of over 17 million FCFa was raised in cash and pledges for the Ashong water rehabilitation an extension project. 

Ashong is a village in Batibo subdivision ,Momo Division of the Northwest Region of Cameroon. The village is in dire need of social facilities .It  is one of the biggest villages in Momo division, and is  a second-class fondom .

It is the most populated of  the 22 villages of Batibo Subdivision and is estimated to have an indigenous population of about 9000 people.

The AGM , which held under the theme "And water will flow" .was principally aimed at raising  funds for the  village's rehabilitation and extension of water network. 

The  crowd-pulling event  was   chaired by Tikum Vincent ,an Ashong elite and development advocate , and it was graced with the presence of  the Fon of Ashong, His Royal Highness  Mbafor Christopher III.

With an attendance of over 500 people,ASCUDA branches that answered present at the Tiko AGM included:Ashong,Bamenda, Buea, Mutengene, Douala, Yaounde, Limbe, Bolo, Baduma, Loum, Ediki Bombe, Ikiliwindi, Kanjo and the Diaspora 

Major  financial contributors at the fund raiser  included  Fongoh and Partners Real Estate Solutions Buea,  Tikum Scott and Mafor Anje who each donated One million FCFA . 

 ASCUDA host president, Neakoh Walters ,welcomed all the guests, noting  that Tiko was  a safe haven and likened Mutengene to Ashong II. He invited the ASCUDANational Exco to visit the Mutengene project site meant for   building  their cultral hall .

"Meeting houses built by various branches increase the assets and credibility of ASCUDA," he remarked.

Addressing his people, HRH Fon Mbafor III emphasized the importance of unity and collective efforts in the development and moddernisation of  Ashong. "The development of Ashong needs all our efforts and it is unfair for some people to shy away from making contributions geared towards development," the Fon said .  

Fon Mbafor appreciated ASCUDA Buea for taking the lead in developing Ashong and specially thanked Neye Maureen,an Ashong elite, from Maryland, USA for  her great contribution to ASCUDA 

He said the water project is of great importance to Ashong as water is life .

"We drink water but at times we have problems and that is why we want to solve those problems so that water can flow 24/7," he said 

Fon Mbafor appreciated the  association's national president and his team for their good governance and accountability and also applauded all the sons and daughters of ASCUDA.

 "The water project is a wonderful initiative .The present Exco has been doing a marvelous job and I think no other project can mobilize people like this water project, "the Fon  emphasized . 

ASCUDA  National   President, Mbah Timben John ,said  the target of fundraising was to have 36 million and encouraged branches to send in their development levies. He called on all the sons and daughters of Ashong to put hands on deck to  quicken the realization of  the water project .

Timben said the water system is old and the quality of the water has degraded and needs to be rehabilitated and extended due to the growing population of Ashong.  "We want to make sure water gets to every household, every hospital and every child in school in good quality in order to ensure the good health of the people," Mbah emphasized .

Ashong Women Social, Cultural and Development Association (AWOSCUDA,)  is an arm of ASCUDA. Its  general president, Teboh Magdalene ,said  Ashong Women are willing and ready to support the realization of  the water project.  "Women are the first beneficiary of the water ,for  this water extension and rehabilitation will help us in our farm works and domestic chores," she said , emphasizing  the importance of clean portable water 

Fon  Mbafor  III dancing with his people at the fundraiser

The pioneer General President of ASCUDA, Forsab Joseph, used the ceremony to give the history of the water project, which was launched in  November 1981 (43 years ago). He  disclosed that  the project was written by Dr. Mbah David .

Forsab also applauded the current leadership for sensitive and priority projects so far achieved like the roads, health facilities and electricity projects He  appreciated Fongoh and Partners Real Estate Solutions, Buea for their immeasurable contributions in giant projects.

One of  highlights of the event was cultural dance and HRH Fon Mbafor happily danced with his people.

Buea Realtors hold successful conference to boost self-reliance

Nkemateh Boris (right) Handing over certificate of participation to Achievers Global Limited

 

By Zifac Fatima
Cameroon: Buea realtors ,on 25 & 26 October at Mountain Lodge-GRA, Buea ,organized what was generally described  by participants and observers as a  successful two-day conference .

The conference ,which brought together real estate professionals and real estate enthusiasts to enhance their self-reliant efforts , was on the theme “Unlocking the Potential of Real Estate Market in Cameroon”.

The event was   a unique blend of community service, education, professional development and networking opportunities.

Speaking at the conference, Nkemateh Boris, coordinator of the program and Founder/CEO of Property Trust Group, drilled participants  on Sustainable Development Strategies in Real Estate.

Other conference facilitators included  Ngwang Stephany,CEO of Dream Properties ,who gave an introduction to Real Estate; Simon talked on Legal Aspects; George Babilla shared his expertise on Real Estate Development .Resource persons , Dr. Dimuh Derick's presentation was on Funding in Real Estate and Mr.Nestor Shey dwelled  on Modern Electrical Systems in Real Estate.

Each presentation was followed by a question-and-answer session, which helped participants deepen  their  knowledge on the topics presented.

The conference,whose  participants came from different  sectors, provided a  platform for valuable networking, 

For instance, representatives of Achievers Global Network Ltd, a consulting company, forged  working ties  with CEOs of real estate companies

According to Nkemateh, the Buea Real Estate conference was  an event that brought together stakeholders in real estate 

He noted that  the conference served as  the ideal platform for knowledge acquisition, partnership, networking and collaboration among stakeholders.

Talking to the press, Nkemateh said  the 2024 edition stood out as the most impactful since 2021 because they were  unlocking the potential sof real estate in Cameroon . 

“We have been doing so in  previous years but just like the tip of an iceberg and we expect next year’s conference to be a much bigger and better one” Nkemateh  remarked with optimism. 

Ngwang Stephany  enumerated  opportunities for unemployed youths in real estate, noting that they could  become agents or take other positions in real estate companies ,thereby addressing unemployment. “Real estate is a source of investment that anyone who invests in it becomes financially free,”said Ngwang ,emphasizing real estate’s potentials for financial freedom. 

She added that investing in real estate was not only for the rich.

 “Many successful realtors started with little or no money. Personally, I began my real estate journey with no money, working as a freelancer and an agent for registered companies by advertising properties through social media content creation.”  

Facilitators & some participants pose for a picture after the conference

Akana David, Manager of Property Trust Group, praised the conference organizers , noting  he learned a lot from it.

“Before, I thought one needed much money to get involved in real estate, but now I know one can venture into it with little or nothing,” he told the press

Akana added that he  learned the legal procedures to acquire any type of land without issues.

To recognise the attendees’ participation and engagement, certificates were awarded at the conclusion of the conference.

Other highlights of conference included  a sport walk and a visit to an orphanage 

Cameroon-Empowering Students In Buea:

Fongoh & Partners Real Estate Offers Holiday jobs

 To Students To Boost Their Lot

Fongoh V.Tekang ( backing Camera) ,CEO of Fongoh and partners awarding  a prize to one of the  best workers

By Zifac Fatima

Conscious of his corporate social responsibility, Fongoh Valentine Tekang, CEO of Fongoh and Partners Real Estate Solutions in Buea , has put a smile on the faces of about 40 students  in Buea by paying handsome wages  to them for work they did for the company during the long vacation .

The holiday workers  each earned  ranging from  80,000-100,000 Fcfa.

The  company had employed the students to enable them gain some work experience, develop a work culture and earn some money that would improve  their financial situation as they prepare for school resumption scheduled for early September.

In a ceremony , last  August 28,marking the end of the holiday job in Buea , the CEO expressed satisfaction that the  initiative was  successful and had impacted positively on the lives of the student workers, by keeping them usefully occupied during thee long vacation.

FONGOH and Partners Real Estate Solutions, located in Bonduma-Buea was created  in 2018  and now a new branch  in Ashong Batibo,Momo Division of the Northwest Region of Cameroon.

 This real estate company offers a range of services including: Buying and selling of landed properties, real estate consulting, valuation, development, marketing, coordination and investment services; agriculture, animal husbandry, crop cultivation, oil palm cultivation and milling ;and other farm activities.

The students, who worked on the company's farm   received free transportation  to and from the their sites and were served  food  throughout the work period. 

 In his remarks, Atakung Richard, manager of Fongoh and Partners, said in spite of  initial challenges to  assemble the job applicants children ,the company's field workers and the entire team of Fongoh and Partners, ensures that the program went according to plan.

 “Surprisingly, managing the children wasn’t too challenging  because they followed instructions,” noted Atakung . He said the gesture would have a lasting impact on the children, especially those who were self-sponsored ,for  they would  be able to focus in class without worrying about school needs.

It emerged that by providing a nurturing environment, Fongoh Valentine aimed to help students develop essential skills, build confidence and gain practical experience. This initiative demonstrates Fongoh’s commitment to investing in the future of young people and contributing to the community’s wellbeing. 

Speaking to the press, CEO Fongoh  explained :

"Our society is filled with negative activities involving youths, so I thought it necessary to get some of them productively busy, enabling them to assist their parents with back-to-school preparations." 

He added, "This initiative also provided an opportunity for them to learn and gain skills through jobs like clearing, pruning, picking palm fruits, and feeding pigs which they all did with joy."

The CEO noted that this was the first edition of the program, which saw 35 students participate. He disclosed  plans to employ some of the students who will graduate from university next year and  promised  to double or triple the number of participants in the next edition.

Fongoh noted that they met their objectives of gathering the students, as they sailed through the program without biting  challenges.

 "They were committed, hardworking, and satisfied at the end of it all. We are proud to have made a positive impact on their lives and look forward to continuing our support for their growth and development," he said .

To motivate and reward the outstanding performance of some of the students, Fongoh Valentine presented special envelopes containing cash prizes to the   three best workers. 

He also surprised his best Worker, Ngwa Faithfulness, with a beautiful announcement :

“As our top performer, I am pleased to promise that I will take care of your school fees and needs for the next academic year”, he declared.

The students beamed with joy, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, citing the benefits of hands-on learning, teamwork and mentorship.  

The student-workers pose for the camera.

Ngwa Faithfulness, a secondary school  prospective Form 5 student , shared his experiences with the press. 

"My two months at Fongoh and Partners have been a lesson learned in cooperation, working with people of different ages and backgrounds. I acquired new farming skills, like pruning palm and plantain trees, and learned about necessary agricultural products used in planting and these skills will go a long way to help me especially with assisting my mother in the farm”.  He said the back-to-school support is a huge relief for him and his mother, as he was struggling to fund his education. “It is not easy to work for somebody for just two months and then the person promises to take care of all your school needs for the next academic year, words alone are not enough to thank such a person” Ngwa appreciated.

Company staff  in family photo during the ceremony,

Another worker, Binui Bernice Asongwe, a final year student in the University of Buea, also expressed her gratitude: "This opportunity taught me new farming techniques, like oil milling and nurturing plantain seedlings. I can apply these skills to grow my own crops and generate income." 

Parents and guardians also appreciated the CEO's kindness, acknowledging the positive impact on their children's lives. 

Mbah Walters, a parent whose two children participated in the program, cited benefits  got like hands-on learning, teamwork, and mentorship. He said not only did the children learn valuable skills but they also earned money to support their education.

 “Moreover, they often return home sharing exciting ideas they have learned from Fongoh and partners aside farming, such as how to purchase a land in Buea through the Company’s initiatives” he added

Fongoh's dedication to empowering students serves as a model for other organizations to follow, showcasing the transformative power of supportive partnerships between businesses and communities.

Socialist International: Chantal Kambiwa Does Cameroon Proud Becoming Pioneer General Coordinator

Ms Chantal Kambiwa,Pioneer SI General Coordinator at Douala Press conference

By Christopher Ambe

Ms Chantal Kambiwa, a Cameroonian woman of high socio-political value and former official of Cameroon’s opposition party, the Social Democratic Front (SDF), has done her country proud with her brilliant election as the pioneer General Coordinator of Socialist International (SI).

SI is the worldwide organization of social democratic, socialist and labour parties. It currently brings together 132 political parties and organizations from all continents, according to official sources.

Kambiwa was elected General Coordinator on 24 February 2024 in Madrid -Spain during a three-day SI Council session. The office of General Coordinator was created the same day she was elected as part of SI reforms.

She was installed same day(February 24) by the SI Council .This Cameroonian She goes in records as  the first Cameroonian and African woman to occupy the coveted office.  

She is the second highest official after the President of the Socialist International, who is now the sitting Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez. 

Upon her return to Cameroon after her election in Madrid, in spite of her busy schedule, Kambiwa convened a press conference on March 6 at Lewat Hotel, Douala ,during which she presented her new office and duties, promising to use her position to promote peace and social justice as well as ameliorate the conditions of women not only in Cameroon but world-wide.

Her duties as  General Coordinator  include organizing and bringing people together to work for the SI mission and the new vision of the SI President.

She told the press of her commitment to focus on the empowerment of women, noting that SI has the Gender Committee to that effect.

According to her, having women in good positions facilitate the search for solutions to problems.

Ms. Chantal Kambiwa (middle) flanked by admirers at Douala Press conference

 “Women have an important role to play in the promotion of peace. In Cameroon like elsewhere peace is pivotal to development and as a Cameroonian woman occupying this post, every time there is a possibility to help [promote] peace in my country, I will do so,” kambiwa pointed out.

“My election to this post was a pleasant surprise to me and an honor to my country, Cameroon-and Africa,” she said, noting that of the 54 political parties present at the council meeting ,51 voted in her favor to assume the office coordinator-general

Reacting to her election as SI General Cordinator to this reporter, emeritus University Distinguished Professor of Law, Ndiva Kofele kale and political mentor of Kambiwa, said:

 “Her election to this history making position, the second highest in the worldwide socialist/social democratic movement, having as her boss Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister of Spain, speaks to her hard work ethic. Hard work pays, and those who work hard don't make much noise because their work speaks for them.”

Kale, a former SDF strategist, recalled that Kambiwa’s involvement with the SI dates back to November 1999 when she was part of the SDF delegation led by Chairman John Fru Ndi to the Paris SI Congress where the SDF was officially admitted as a Full member of the Socialist International!

Kale who was part of the delegation to the Paris SI congress was then Fru Ndi’s able and trusted External Affairs man. It would be recalled  that Kale was in charge of SDF foreign relations (unofficially) from 1996-1999 and officially from 1999-2006.

When Kambiwa was designated as the SDF party's representative to the Socialist International Women (sister organ, to the SI), she rose through the ranks of SIW and in 2003 was elected one of its vice presidents.

 Kambiwa is the daughter of Mr Wandji Nkuimy, first Minister of Finance from Nde Division in Ahmadou Ahidjo's Republic of Cameroon government.

 She has been a militant of the SDF from the early 90s and served as Vice Chairman of the Littoral Province under provincial Chairman the emblematic Dr. Nja Kwa.

Kale recalled: “Kambiwa militated in party politics alongside her mother, Mabatgoup Rose Wandji Nkuimy, who was herself a firebrand militant and leader of the W/CPDM in Douala, resisting all efforts to drag her into the CPDM!

“Such has been her sense of purpose, focus, strong convictions, and unshakeable commitment to the principles and values incarnated in the Socialist International and which the SDF swore by in its heyday!”

According to Kale, “As the first African women in this global organization grouping over progressive parties from over 150 countries, her election underscores that competence and merit triumph in organizations that respect the principle of equality opportunity for alL.

“This is one of the foundational principles of the SDF and was a slogan that attracted the wretched of our earth to its fold but now is practiced more in the breach.”

The emeritus University Distinguished Professor of law and sharp critic of political mediocrity, was emphatic:

Cross section of journalists at the Douala press conference organised by Chantal Kambiwa

 “Kambiwa is a shiny example of the SDF’s abandonment of this foundational principle when it expelled her and 33 other senior party officials, less than a year ago, because they were demanding that the democratic rights--enshrined in the Constitution of Cameroon, sworn to by the Founding Fathers of the Party and embodied in the charter statutes of the SI (an organization they struggled so hard and over so many years to become a member) be respected.”

Should SDF take credit for Kambiwa’s rise?

Some political pundits think that the SDF should not take credit for Kambiwa’s elevation to the post of coordinator General of SI.

According to a Cameroonian political pundit who chose not to be named, “In its haste to cashier her from the only party she’s ever militated, the SDF, the first party from Cameroon to become a full member of the SI,the SDF cannot now share in this glorious and history-making victory !”

 

Cameroon : Ndofoa Njoya is new SW ELECAM Delegate.

Dr. Essousse(right) congratulating the new SW ELECAM Boss

 By Zifac Fatima

The new South West Regional Delegate of Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), Zofoa Njoya Sake, was installed on March 5, 2024 at Mountain Hotel, Buea by the Director General of ELECAM, Dr. Essousse Erik.

Zofoa Njoya, formerly the North West Regional Delegate of ELECAM, replaced Divine Mukoto Mewanu who is now on retirement.

The Director General, in his installation speech, said the outgone Delegate was recruited into ELECAM in 2010 shortly after it went operational and served as South West Regional Delegate for ELECAM since 2020 until his retirement on March 2, 2024; that he served for over 40 years in top ranking positions in Cameroon. The Director General congratulated him for such a brilliant career over the years and wished him a fantastic retirement.

Dr. Essousse described Zofoa Njoya Sake as a responsible Man who began his career in the North West Region and is now in the South West.

Zofoa Njoya 51, was born in Babungo; he is married and a father of seven children.

Zofoa Njoya started his elections career since 2004 with the National Elections Observatory (NEO) as President of NEO in Babessi Subdivision from 2004-2007.

He joined ELECAM in 2010 as a kit operator in Babessi Subdivision, Ngoketunja Division, North West Region where he worked until 2018. That same year, he was promoted to Communal Branch Head, still in Ako Subdivision in Donga Mantung Division where he served till 2021.

Zofoa Njoya was later appointed North West Regional Delegate of ELECAM in 2022.

The Mayor of Buea, David Mafany Namange in his welcome address, said the presence of the Director General of ELECAM at the installation was eloquent proof of the resolve of the Head of state to uphold the independence of ELECAM, which manages and supervises all elections and referendum operations in Cameroon.

The Mayor appreciated Mewanu for having left a positive impact on elections-related activities in the South West despite the security concerns in parts of the Region.

Namange welcomed Zofoa to Buea “Town of legendary hospitality” in particular and to the South West Region as a whole. He hoped that Zofoa would succeed in his key mission of steering the activities of ELECAM in the South West given his wealth of experience.

The Mayor assured the new delegate of his collaboration in the discharge of the latter’s challenging duties.

It is worthy of note that Zofoa Njoya was recognised as the most resilient and most committed Regional Delegate of the elections management body for the year 2023. He got the winning prize at the 20^th edition of the National press awards of Excellence.

Cross-section attendees at  installation of the new SW ELECAM Delegate

Talking to the Press Director General urged Ndofoa Njoya to continue with the good work his predecessor did in the South West Region by sensitizing the population on voter registration and also to manage the ELECAM property as well as perform his other job duties.

Dr. Essousse also urged the population especially the young people to register massively on the electoral list as the elections draw near. He called on the Media to sensitize the population on the importance of Voter registration.

Ndofoa Njoya on his part, thanked the Board Chairman of ELECAM, Enow Abram and the Director General of ELECAM for his new functions. He called on his collaborators to give him the same support which helped him succeed in the North West.

He vowed to call on Cameroonians aged 20 and above to enroll on the electoral register in order to wisely choose their political leaders.

 

2024 Mt Cameroon Race: Winning Excitement Subsides After Athlete Dies

By Zifac Fatima

The 29^th edition of  Mt Cameroon Race of Hope which took place in Buea, South West region of Cameroon  on 24^th February 2024 under the theme “Let’s give peace a chance” culminated in two  Cameroonians of  Northwest origin emerging  champions: Elvis Nsabinla in  the Senior Men’s category and Adamu Irene in the Senior Women’s category.

Nsabinla who crossed the finish line in 4hours,45minutes was awarded 10million Francs CFA; the second, Amadou Abdou, made it in 4hours, 47minutes smiling home with 7million Francs CFA and Saidu Nuhu who came 3^rd in 4hours 49minutes got 5million Francs CFA.

Mt. Cameroon is the highest Mountain in West and Central Africa, measuring 4095metres. But the race course is 38km, starting from the Buea Molyko Omnisport stadium to the summit and back

The first three in the senior women’s category were awarded the same prizes, respectfully, as winners of the senior men’s category.

The first was Adamu Irine Kwaha who finished in 5hours, 36minutes, followed by Tumi Macrina Yiinyuy in 5hours, 30minutes and Ngalim Lizette who came 3^rd in 5hours, 30 minutes.

Orange Cameroon was the major and official sponsor.  Other sponsors included: Madiba water, PMUC, Prudential Beneficial insurance, Biaka University Institute of Buea which also encouraged winners with prizes.

The excitement that greeted the atmosphere with the arrival of race champions died down when news broke out that 32-year-old Kenyan Athlete, Charles Kipsang had collapsed shortly after crossing the finish line and died when rushed to the Buea regional hospital.

The race proper was preceded by a launch on 23^rd of February at the Molyko Omnisport stadium Buea, presided over by the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Professor Narcisse Mouelle Kombi. Other dignitaries who attended the launch included; the President of Cameroon Athletic Federation, Motombi Emmanuel Mbome; South West Governor, Bernard Okalia Bilai, the president of the South West Regional Assembly, Bakoma Elango Zacheus; the Mayor of Buea, Barrister David Mafany Namange and the Paramount chief of Buea, HRM Chief Robert Esuka.

The Mayor, in his welcome address, wished that the god of Mt. Fako Efasa-Moto should guide and protect the athletes before and after the race. “You should know that even though your goal is to emerge victorious you should not lose sight of the Olympic spirit of fair play”, the mayor told the athletes.

On his part, President Motombi expressed joy with the massive attendance and participation of Cameroonians and foreigners.

He also acknowledged Jakai George, one of the competitors who has resolutely taken part in the race since its inception in 1973.

Biaka University Institute at this moment, gave Jakai George a package and also offered to give him free medical services at the Biaka hospital as long as he lives. “Just as Cars need Maintenance to run, the human body also needs maintenance to function properly that’s is why we (the Biaka Hospital) are offering you free medical services for as long as you live” Madam Biaka told Jakai George.

Minister Mouelle Kombi expressed his gratitude to all personalities who graced the ceremony. He said sports promotes peace and dialogue amongst individuals and nations, that is why the race is proudly encouraged by the state of Cameroon.

The minister reassured participants of their security and a fair competition.

This year’s race recorded the participation of more than 600 Athletes from Cameroon, Central Africa, Republic of Chad, Republic of Congo, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, France, Kenya, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia.

The 2024 Mount Cameroon Race of Hope:Takeoff from Molyko Stadium

Talking to the press shortly after race, Tumi Macrina said she did not face any difficulty during the race but expressed a little disappointment coming in the second position because she was leading the race before she was overtaken by Adamu Irine.

Ngalim Lizette on the other hand said the race was quiet challenging “the fear I had about the crisis also made me weak and the cold weather also affected me” Ngalim told the press.

The event was entertaining with a lot traditional dance interludes from cultural groups and a fashion display, which crowned Abigail Fondop as the 2024 Miss Mount Cameroon Race of hope.