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The Story of Badu Bonsu II: The King whose head was kept in a jar for over a century

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King Badu Bonsu II was the leader of the Ahanta tribe in the Western Region of Gold Coast

In 1883, King Badu Bonsu II, the leader of the Ahanta tribe in the Western Region of Gold Coast, now Ghana, was executed by the Dutch following a bitter conflict.

His death marked a dark chapter in the history of the Gold Coast, with repercussions that have resonated for years.

King Badu Bonsu II was believed to have had his head cut off by the Dutch as retaliation for the killing of two Dutch emissaries, George Maasen and Adrian Cremer. Their heads were displayed as trophies on the king Badu’s throne, an act that incited a violent response from the Dutch…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

The circumstances surrounding the king’s execution remain steeped in history, but it is clear that his death was both a personal and political statement from the colonial powers.

Dutch author Arthur Japin uncovered the legacy of this moment while researching a historical novel.

In the process, he discovered the preserved head of King Badu Bonsu II in a jar of formaldehyde at the Leiden University Medical Centre.

The head had been there since its arrival in the late 1830s, after it was sent to the Netherlands following the king’s execution.

Japin, who had been researching the story of an Ahanta boy brought to Holland in 1838, stumbled upon the head after a decade of searching.

“I had been looking for the head for more than 10 years,” Japin explained. “As a novelist, you become obsessed with your subjects. Finally, in 2002, I found it locked away in a dark cupboard where it had been for more than 170 years.”

Japin was struck by the moment he discovered the king’s head, which had been turned white by the formaldehyde but still appeared life-like.

“It looked as if he was asleep. I felt, ‘This is so wrong, you should go home.'”

The return of the head

In 2008, after learning of the head’s location, the Ghanaian government requested its return, citing the cultural and spiritual significance of proper burial for the king.

According to Ghanaian tradition, without the burial of a deceased person’s head, the soul is believed to wander and be tormented in the afterlife.

In March 2009, Ghana’s government made it clear that the head would be returned to its homeland for proper burial.

A formal agreement was signed in The Hague, and in July 2009, the head of King Badu Bonsu II was handed over to Ghana, without compensation from the Dutch government.

The head was returned amidst a ceremony that saw leaders from the Ahanta tribe performing a traditional ritual, invoking the spirit of the king and calling for his peaceful rest.

In a deeply emotional moment, Ahanta tribe leaders poured alcohol on the floor of the conference room, while Ghanaian nationals dressed in red and black mourning colors paid their respects.

The transfer of the king’s head marked the end of a painful chapter in Ghana’s colonial history.

What led to King Badu Bonsu II’s killing? READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

The roots of King Badu Bonsu II’s conflict with the Dutch lie in the0 struggles over the exploitation of the Ahanta region.

In 1830, Badu Bonsu II began resisting Dutch colonial policies that sought to continue exploiting Ahanta’s resources under the terms of the Butre Treaty of 1656.

Tensions escalated when the king banned the sale of guns and gunpowder in his territory, a move that directly threatened the Dutch’s economic interests.

The Dutch responded by instigating emity among local subchiefs, including Eteroe of Sekondi, whom the Dutch manipulated to undermine the king.

When Badu Bonsu II sentenced Eteroe to death for selling weapons to neighbouring tribes, the situation worsened.

Eteroe sought refuge with the Dutch, and tensions eventually led to the Dutch sending troops to arrest the king.

The situation came to a head in 1838 when Badu Bonsu II, accompanied by armed men, confronted the Dutch at Butre.

During a meeting, the Dutch attempted to arrest him, but he resisted, leading to a violent exchange where he killed two Dutch officials.

He took their heads back to his palace, an act that set off a chain of events that would culminate in war.

The killing of the Dutch officials prompted a massive Dutch military response.

The Dutch sent an expedition of mercenaries led by General Jan Verveer to suppress the Ahanta resistance. After months of preparation, Verveer and his forces launched an attack on Badu Bonsu II’s stronghold in July 1838.

Following a fierce battle, Badu Bonsu II was captured on July 26, 1838.

The Dutch put him through a public trial and execution the following day. His head was cut off by a Dutch medical officer, Schillet, who preserved it in formaldehyde before sending it to the Netherlands.

The Dutch also executed several other Ahanta royals and shipped many others to the Dutch West Indies as slaves.

The brutal suppression of the Ahanta people led to the destruction of towns like Busua and Takoradi.

For years, the Ahanta region was left without a king, and the mysterious deaths of successive kings during the years that followed only added to the region’s sense of turmoil.

The aftermath

The impact of the Dutch invasion and the death of King Badu Bonsu II remains a painful memory for the Ahanta tribe, with the scars of that brutal colonial period still felt today.

In April 1872, as the Dutch left, the Ahanta people faced not only the loss of their king but also the legacy of a century of exploitation and violence that would take generations to overcome.

 

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7 Apps That You Should Delete Your Smartphone To Prevent Your Phone From Being Hacked

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In today’s digital landscape, smartphones have become integral to our daily lives. However, their ubiquity comes with considerable security risks if they are not properly protected. Various applications can inadvertently expose personal information to hackers, underscoring the importance of identifying and removing those that may jeopardize your security. To enhance your cybersecurity, consider deleting the following seven types of apps from your smartphone:

1. Third-Party App Stores

While official app stores like Google Play Store and Apple App Store implement robust security measures, third-party app stores often lack such scrutiny. Applications sourced from these alternative platforms can be riddled with malware, providing an easy entry point for hackers to access your sensitive data…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

2. Social Media Apps

Despite their popularity, social media applications frequently require extensive permissions that can compromise your personal information. Hackers may exploit vulnerabilities within these platforms to access private data. It’s wise to limit your engagement with social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat and to regularly review their privacy settings to ensure your information remains protected.

3. Outdated Apps READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Applications that are not regularly updated may harbor unpatched security vulnerabilities, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. To safeguard your smartphone, consistently update your apps or remove those that no longer receive updates from their developers.

4. Free VPN Apps

Although Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can significantly bolster your online security, many free VPN applications engage in practices such as collecting and selling user data to third parties. If you currently rely on a free VPN service, consider transitioning to a reputable paid option that emphasizes user privacy and maintains a strict no-log policy.

5. Game Apps with Excessive Permissions

Many mobile games request unnecessary permissions, such as access to your contacts or location, which can lead to unauthorized data collection and heightened hacking risks. If a game requests excessive access, it’s prudent to delete it to protect your personal information.

 

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5 Foods That Damage Intestine

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The health of our intestines plays a crucial role in overall well-being. However, certain foods can negatively impact gut health, potentially leading to inflammation, digestive issues, and long-term damage. Here are five foods that can harm the intestines:

1. Processed Foods

Processed foods, especially those high in refined sugars and unhealthy fats, are among the worst offenders when it comes to gut health. These foods often lack fiber, which is essential for healthy digestion. Moreover, the additives, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners used in many processed products can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria. A diet high in processed foods can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, contributing to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and leaky gut…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

2. Fried Foods*m

Fried foods, such as fast food, chips, and fried snacks, contain trans fats and acrylamide, a substance formed when foods are cooked at high temperatures. These foods can irritate the lining of the intestines and contribute to chronic inflammation. Over time, this inflammation can weaken the gut’s ability to absorb nutrients and protect against harmful bacteria, which can lead to digestive problems and increased risk of diseases like Crohn’s disease.

3. Dairy Products

For many people, dairy products can cause digestive distress due to lactose intolerance or sensitivities to casein, a protein found in milk. When individuals with these sensitivities consume dairy, they may experience bloating, gas, and diarrhea. In the long run, consuming large amounts of dairy can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and lead to intestinal discomfort or inflammation, particularly in people who are already sensitive to dairy. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

4. Red Meat

While red meat is a source of protein and essential nutrients, excessive consumption can negatively affect gut health. The high fat content in red meat can be difficult for the digestive system to break down, leading to constipation and bloating. Additionally, red meat contains compounds that can promote the growth of harmful gut bacteria and contribute to inflammation, which is associated with conditions like colorectal cancer.

5. Alcohol

Alcohol can be highly detrimental to the intestines, especially when consumed in excess. It irritates the gastrointestinal tract, leading to inflammation and disrupting the gut’s protective lining. Chronic alcohol consumption can also impair the balance of gut microbiota, promoting the growth of harmful bacteria and increasing the permeability of the intestinal walls, which is linked to leaky gut syndrome. This, in turn, can increase the risk of food sensitivities, inflammation, and digestive disorders.

In conclusion, maintaining a healthy gut requires careful attention to diet. Avoiding or minimizing the consumption of processed foods, fried items, dairy (for those sensitive to it), red meat, and alcohol can help protect the intestines and ensure better digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gut health.

 

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4 Signs Your Ex Still Loves You

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When navigating the aftermath of a breakup, it can be difficult to discern whether your ex still has feelings for you. However, there are several key signs that may suggest your ex still loves you:

1. Frequent Communication: If your ex frequently reaches out, whether to check in or simply to chat, it could indicate lingering feelings. Even casual conversations or texts about mundane topics suggest they’re still invested in your life…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

2. Jealousy or Protectiveness: If your ex seems to show jealousy when you talk about other romantic interests or becomes protective of you, it may be a sign that they still care deeply about you. This can manifest in subtle ways, such as expressing concern about you dating someone else or displaying discomfort when someone else shows interest.

3. Maintaining Physical Closeness: Physical proximity, even in a non-romantic setting, can reveal emotional attachment. If your ex continues to find reasons to be near you, engage in physical touch like hugs, or seeks excuses to spend time alone with you, it often means that their feelings are far from gone. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

4. Regret and Nostalgia: If your ex frequently brings up fond memories from your relationship, it might indicate that they miss what you had. This could involve them reminiscing about good times or even admitting that they regret the breakup. They may still be processing unresolved emotions and might secretly wish for reconciliation.

These signs do not guarantee that your ex still loves you in a romantic way, but they do suggest that their feelings haven’t completely faded. Understanding these signals can help you evaluate the potential for rekindling a relationship or moving on.

 

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