Uganda's Cricket Cranes secured an unbeaten run at the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B, defeating Bahrain by 166 runs and finishing top of the 6-team table with 9 points.
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THE FORMIDABLE QUEEN ASANTEWAA OF ASHANTI
Today, we honour Yaa Asantewaa, queen of the Ashanti Kingdom, who died on 17 October 1921 in the Seychelles, where the British had exiled her from what is now Ghana.
Born in the mid-19th century in the Ashanti Kingdom, in the southern part of modern Ghana, Yaa Asantewaa began as a skilled farmer. When her elder brother, Nana Akwasi Afrane Okpase, became king of an Ashanti Kingdom state known as Edweso, he anointed her Queen Mother in the 1880s, according to the Ashanti culture's matrilineal tradition. Yaa Asantewaa was responsible for safeguarding the Golden Stool, a symbol of power in the kingdom. She was instrumental in presenting candidates for the Golden Stool when the position became vacant.
During her brother's reign, the British sought to colonise the Ashanti people, usurp the ruling king, and seize control of their wealth to create a colony. In 1896, the British captured and exiled Asantehene Prempeh I, the King of Ashanti. That's when Yaa Asantewaa formed an army. Her articulate and persuasive leadership sparked the Anglo-Ashanti War, commonly called the 'Yaa Asantewaa War of Independence' or the 'War of the Golden Stool,' which began on 28 March 1900.
The rebellion k*lled 1,000 British soldiers and allied African troops, while the Ashanti forces lost 2,000 soldiers. Yaa Asantewaa's resistance earned her the respect and admiration of many men who had remained passive. Unfortunately, the British captured and exiled her to the Seychelles islands in the Indian Ocean, where she died in 1921.ย
However, her legacy is immortalised in history. For example, in 2000, a museum opened in the Ejisu-Juaben District of Ghana to honour her. Additionally, an award called the 'Nana Yaa Asantewaa Awards' recognises women who embody the values and leadership of Yaa Asantewaa.
Yaa Asantewaa is known by many names: Queen Mother, the Lioness of Ashanti, and Queen Yaa. These titles embody her fearless and relentless spirit.
Rest in peace, Queen Yaa. Your contributions will never be forgotten.
NBA Global Ambassador and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo passed away at the age of 58.
Dikembe loved the game of basketball and made a positive impact on communities across Africa.
He was always accessible at BAL games and events, with his infectious smile, deep booming voice, and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation.
On behalf of the entire NBA Africa and BAL family, we extend our deepest condolences to Dikembeโs family, his many friends, and the global basketball community, which he truly loved.
Congratulations to our U18 Junior @UGSilverbacks player, @momo_nkugwa, on receiving an offer from the University of Vermont! We are proud of you and wish you all the best as you embark on this exciting journey. Keep shining, young star!
IS BILL GATES PLAYING GOD WITH AFRICA'S FOOD?
Bill Gates' agricultural investments in Africa have contributed to a hunger crisis on the continent - thatโs the claim of ex US presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Between 2003 and 2020, Gates pumped nearly $6 billion into industrialising Africa's agriculture. Most of that funding went to Western corporations that patent seeds and produce agrochemicals, purportedly to help African farmers increase crop yields. However, critics of Gates argue that his approach leads to hunger, as it does not fully consider African knowledge, biodiversity and food sovereignty - the right to choose what and when to grow.
What do you make of RFK Jrโs claims in this clip?
Video Credit: @Daystar