Culture

WHO recognises ancient Egyptian king, Ramesses V as oldest victim of smallpox

Published

2 years ago

April 8, 2023

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognised ancient Egyptian king, Ramesses V as the oldest known victim of smallpox.

The WHO, in a new video released to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the organization on Saturday, said Ramesses V, who was the fourth pharaoh of the Twentieth Dynasty of Egypt, is believed to be the oldest person who succumbed to the disease but was seen then as a punishment from the gods.

During the video presentation, Ramesses V himself is heard telling the story of his smallpox disease, saying:

“3,000 years ago, a disease hit the planet, adding, that you may not know me, I am the defeater of millions, the master of the earth and the protector of the Egyptians, I am Pharaoh Ramses V, my appearance does not scare you as it used to scare me one day, because the disease could affect everyone as everyone was susceptible to infection, and everyone was afraid of it, even the kings.”

He added:

“Smallpox is highly contagious and intractable, as it has taken the lives of hundreds of millions of people, but humanity did not stand idly by, as the smallpox vaccine became the first vaccine to be manufactured in history.

“The disease is gone, and the pain, suffering, and stigma that haunted countless souls have gone. The power of science has triumphed, and a disease that has been stationed for thousands of years has been erased from existence.

“I am the ruler of ancient Egypt, and even after my death my body was preserved and my memory perpetuated, but you will remember that you achieved this achievement that saves human lives”.

Known as Usermaatre Sekheperenre Ramesses V, the revered ancient Egyptian king was the son of Ramesses IV and Duatentopet.

Ramesses V’s reign was characterized by the continued growth of the power of the priesthood of Amun which controlled much of the temple land in the country and the state finances at the expense of the ruling pharaohs.

His mummy is now on display at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo.

Related Topics:Egypt Featured King Ramesses V Small Pox WHO

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Culture

Ghana’s Supreme Court dismisses suit challenging anti-LGBT bill

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana’s Supreme Court has dismissed two separate suits challenging the legality of one of the proposed anti-LGBT legislations awaiting assent into law by the president.

The separate suits were filed by two legal practitioners, Amanda Odoi and Richard Sky, challenging the bill, seeking to declare it illegal and prevent the president from signing it.

The two cases had challenged the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

But in a ruling on Wednesday, the Supreme Court unanimously decided to dismiss the legal challenges to the new anti-LGBT legislation that has been criticised by rights groups.

The controversial bill was passed earlier this year by Ghanaian lawmakers with three years imprisonment for people identifying as LGBT and five years for forming or funding LGBT groups.

While dismissing the cases, presiding judge, Justice Avril Lovelace-Johnson, who delivered the ruling on behalf of the seven-member panel, said the cases were premature.

“Until there’s presidential assent, there is no act, the two cases were “unanimously dismissed,” she said.

The ruling is the latest blow to the LGBTQ community in Ghana and paves the way for the president to sign into law what many say is one of Africa’s most restrictive piece of anti-LGBTQ legislation.

President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose term in office ends on 7 January, had delayed signing it pending the outcome of the Supreme Court challenge but the judges said the case could not be reviewed until it had been signed it into law.

It expected that incoming president, John Mahama, will sign the bill into law as he had always expressed his support for the bill during his electioneering campaigns.

Culture

UNESCO lists Ghana’s Kente cloth as cultural heritage

Published

4 days ago

December 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The iconic Ghanaian Kente, a piece of clothing, has been recognized as a cultural heritage on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The global recognition, according to the UN body, is coming under the 2003 Convention for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage highlights the cultural and historical significance of the vibrant, handwoven textile.

In a citation on its website, UNESCO describes the Kente cloth as “originating from Ghana’s Asante and Ewe communities and renowned worldwide for its bold colors, intricate patterns, and deep symbolic meanings, embodying the creativity and identity of the Ghanaian people.”

Ghana’s Tourism Minister, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, described the recognition as a testament to Ghana’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

“This achievement places Ghana at the forefront of global efforts to safeguard and celebrate cultural traditions,” he noted.

In a statement acknowledging the recognition, Mercer said the “Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) expressed gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, UNESCO, and the artisans, cultural institutions, and traditional authorities who contributed to this milestone.”

“Special acknowledgement is given to the Bonwire and Agotime communities for their enduring role as custodians of the craft.

“As Ghana celebrates this historic moment, MoTAC reaffirms its dedication to promoting and preserving the nation’s rich cultural legacy.”