ALBAWABA - Ghanaian negotiators announced on Saturday that the United Kingdom has returned 32 gold and silver treasures to Ghana on a six-year loan. These artifacts, stolen from the Asante kingdom over 150 years ago, include 15 items from the British Museum, and 17 from the Victoria & Albert Museum.
The treasures were originally taken from the court of the Asante king back during 19th-century conflicts between the British and the Asante people.
Under this agreement, these relics, which hold significant cultural and spiritual value for the Ashanti people, will be displayed at the Palace Museum in Kumasi. They will play a central role in a year-long celebration commemorating the king's silver jubilee.
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This restitution follows growing pressure on European and US museums to address the return of African artifacts looted during the colonial period. Ivor Agyeman-Duah, the chief negotiator, confirmed the return, stating that the objects were on loan to the palace. The cultural significance of the artifacts played a big part in the loan agreement. At first, it was only for three years before becoming six.
Agyeman-Duah expressed that this return is a large step in reclaiming and preserving Ghana's heritage and strengthening connections to its rich history.
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An exhibition at the Manhyia Palace Museum will be starting next month on May 1, and it will share the story of Ghana's past with the world.
Nigeria is also in negotiations to reclaim thousands of metal objects looted from the ancient kingdom of Benin. In a similar situation, two years ago, Benin received treasures stolen by French colonial forces in 1892.
