We talk to author, BARNABY PHILLIPS about his new book which details the British looting of Kumasi, the Ashanti heartland, in what is now Ghana. There had been many conflicts in the course of a century between the British and the Ashanti, but Barnaby focuses on the battle of 1874 in which the Asantehene's palace was systematically stripped of its treasures, many of which had sacred value.

The loot was then officially auctioned off at Cape Coast Castle to British officers and traders. Described by one contemporary MP as 'simply a policy of robbery', the book highlights the moral contradiction of the British Empire. The British justified the invasion as a. mission to bring 'civilisation' to 'barbarians'.

But the book sheds light on the 'racist hypocrisy' of the victors who, after destroying the city, sold the sacred religious artifacts to London jewellers and private collectors to raise fund for the war effort.

The cultural heart and soul of the Ashanti kingdom - The Golden Stool - though was never taken. It was kept hidden in forests and protected by villagers for decades - ensuring the continuity of the kingdom despite the exile of its king and queen.

Barnaby traces the specific journeys of famous items, like the 'Wallace Head',

from the moment of their looting to their current locations. A key takeaway is how these objects shifted from being sacred royal regalia in Kumasi to being 'curios' in Victorian drawing rooms, and finally to contested museum exhibits in the 21st century.

Barnaby tells us more about the recent return of some artifacts - a mere 32 of them - in 2024 and that it was the culmination of a century of diplomacy.

Despite the burning of their capital in 1874, and the exile of their King Prempeh I in 1896, the Ashanti kingdom survived. We hear how the monarchy's prestige has been restored and how the current Asantehene, Osei Tutu II, successfully negotiated the return of his ancestors' treasures, if only on a loaned basis.

I was joined by Patrick Smith, Editor of Africa Confidential and Writer and Broadcaster, Donu Kogbara.

Barnaby Phillips' book The African Kingdom of Gold: Britain and the Asante Treasure is published by Oneworld

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COVID-19, Africa, health preparedness, pandemic response, vaccine production, health financing, regional collaboration, conflict resolution, health systems, infectious diseases, ghost workers, corruption, inefficiencies

In this conversation, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa's Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the continent. He emphasises the continent's need for improved health preparedness and self-sufficiency.

He outlines five key pillars for pandemic preparedness, including health financing, local manufacturing, and digital health initiatives. We also cover the importance of regional collaboration, innovative financing strategies, and the intersection of health and conflict resolution.

Dr. Kaseya highlights lessons learned from the pandemic and the necessity of being prepared for future outbreaks, while also addressing the challenges posed by infectious diseases in Africa.

Takeaways:

*Preparedness is essential for national and global security.

*Africa must increase health financing and reduce inefficiencies.

*Local manufacturing of health products is crucial for self-sufficiency.

*Innovative financing methods can enhance health budgets.

*Vaccine nationalism highlighted Africa's dependency on external supplies.

*Regional collaboration is vital for effective health responses.

*Health outcomes are linked to conflict resolution efforts.

*Lessons from COVID-19 inform future health strategies.

*The next pandemic is likely to be zoonotic and influenced by climate change.

*Addressing infectious diseases requires a multifaceted approach.

Chapters

00:00

Assessing Africa's COVID-19 Experience

03:05

Pillars of Pandemic Preparedness

06:01

Innovative Financing for Health

08:52

Local Vaccine Production and Technology Transfer

11:53

Regional Collaboration in Health

14:51

Health and Conflict Resolution

17:57

Lessons Learned from COVID-19

20:49

Preparing for Future Pandemics

24:11

Progress and Challenges in Health Systems

27:03

Addressing Infectious Disease Outbreaks

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Ethiopian Airlines, Mesfin Tasew, aviation leadership, African aviation, airline strategy, Vision 2040, infrastructure investment, MRO Services, airline culture, career achievements

In this conversation, Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, shares his extensive journey within the airline, highlighting the importance of leadership, strategic vision and a strong corporate culture in achieving success. He discusses the ambitious Vision 2040 for Ethiopian Airlines, the challenges faced by African aviation, and the critical investments in infrastructure and human capital necessary for future growth. Mesfin reflects on his more than 40 year career at Ethiopian Airlines, his achievements and the spirit of collaboration that has driven the airline's success.

Takeaways

*Mesfin Tasew has over 40 years of experience at Ethiopian Airlines

*Leadership succession from within has been key to the airline's success

*Ethiopian Airlines has a strong corporate culture that motivates employees

*The airline's Vision 2040 aims to significantly increase passenger and cargo transport

*Investment in infrastructure is crucial for the airline's growth

*Ethiopian Airlines has operational autonomy, allowing for strategic decision-making without political interference

*Challenges in African aviation include high operational costs and lack of cooperation among airlines

* The new Bishoftu International Airport is a major investment for future growth

* Training and developing internal talent is a key priority for Ethiopian Airlines

* Mesfin reflects on a fulfilling career and the collaborative achievements of the airline.

Chapters:

00.00 Journey of a Leader: Mesfin Tasew's Background

09:59 Ethiopian Airlines: A successful model

19.47 Vision 2040: ambitious Goals for Ethiopian Airlines

29.56 Challenges in African Aviation: A Broader Perspective

36.11 Reflections on a Career: Achievements and Legacy

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