Ahene-Codjoe, Ama Asantewah

This review examines the decolonisation process within North-South (N-S) research collaborations, specifically focusing on decolonised practices. It also briefly discusses the influence of institutional settings and power dynamics in ensuring decolonised practices. Our findings reveal that these elements significantly mould decolonisation practices, underscoring the need for a comprehensive understanding of the broader context in which these collaborations occur. Notably, we found a limited number of studies led by Northern researchers, and indeed fewer led by Southern researchers, who actively practice decolonisation in their N-S research collaborations. This raises crucial questions regarding the extent to which the voices, perspectives, and expertise of the South are included and valued in these collaborations. The review also highlights the need for increased efforts to promote South-led research and to challenge and transform the power dynamics that often marginalise Southern researchers and institutions.
We argue that a deep understanding of these dynamics is important for developing more equitable and inclusive decolonised research practices and for addressing the power imbalances that often characterise N-S research collaborations. The study concludes with a call for equal N-S research collaboration as a key strategy for overcoming the economic, social, and cultural boundaries often dividing Northern and Southern researchers. We argue that such partnerships are essential for fostering more inclusive and equitable research practices and advancing decolonisation. Incorporating insights from earlier work, we also highlight the importance of early and open communication, which aids decolonisation in N-S research collaborations. We note that protecting specific individuals within teams can lead to the omission of critical issues, potentially endangering the sustainability of relationships beyond the project's duration. We suggest creating dedicated time and space for discussions about strengths and weaknesses, thus enhancing N-S research collaborations and the decolonisation process.

This study investigates the prevalence and mechanisms of trade-based money laundering (TBML) in Ghana's automobile sector, highlighting its implications for the economy and regulatory frameworks. It aims to develop data collection tools, assess the magnitude of TBML, identify typologies used by illicit actors, and propose actionable recommendations to enhance anti-money laundering (AML) efforts. It employs value chain and political economy analyses to uncover the factors contributing to the sector's vulnerability to TBML and assess its impact on the economy, financial systems, and legitimate businesses. It also used mirror trade statistics and price filter methods to identify instances of trade mispricing, suggesting that these anomalies warrant further investigation. The findings indicate that, while there is no direct evidence of intentional money laundering by traders, the sector's vulnerabilities, such as high demand for used vehicles, low compliance with AML regulations, and inadequate financing, create an environment conducive to TBML. Criminals exploit technological advancements, including virtual banking and decentralised finance, to facilitate their activities. This study identifies several categories of individuals involved in TBML, including uninformed traders, opportunistic actors, and politically exposed persons leveraging trade systems for illicit gains, and underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to combat TBML in Ghana. Key recommendations include enhancing awareness and compliance among non-financial operators, empowering customs authorities with advanced risk assessment tools, and fostering inter-agency collaboration. Furthermore, leveraging artificial intelligence for transaction monitoring can significantly improve the detection of suspicious activities, emphasising that Ghana's position as a transit point for illicit goods necessitates urgent policy intervention. By implementing robust regulatory frameworks and fostering a transparent trading environment, Ghana can mitigate TBML risk, protect its financial integrity, and promote sustainable economic growth. This study provides a foundational analysis that can inform policymakers and stakeholders in their efforts to effectively combat TBML in the automobile sector.