UK Returns Ghana’s Looted Royal Artefacts in Loan Deal

As I sat in the grand halls of the British Museum, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. The artefacts on display, stolen from the Asante Kingdom in the 19th century, seemed to whisper stories of a painful past. The golden regalia, once symbols of power and authority, now sat behind glass cases, a testament to the brutal legacy of colonialism.

The recent return of 32 royal artefacts to Ghana is a step in the right direction, but it’s a loan deal that raises more questions than answers. The artefacts, taken during the Anglo-Asante Wars, including the infamous Sagrenti War of 1874, will be on display at the Palace Museum in Kumasi for an initial three years, renewable for another three. But why can’t they be returned permanently?

“The return of the artefacts is a significant step towards healing the wounds of the past.” - Otumfuo Osei Tutu II

The loan deal is not with the Ghanaian government, but with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the current traditional ruler of the Ashanti people. This raises questions about ownership and control. Who should have custody of these artefacts? Should they be returned to their rightful owners, or should they remain in the museums that have housed them for so long?

The golden regalia, symbols of the Asante traditional authority, will be on display at the Palace Museum in Kumasi.

The artefacts, including 15 pieces from the British Museum and 17 from the Victoria & Albert Museum, will be on display and open to the public in May. It’s a significant moment for Ghana, but it’s also a reminder of the long road ahead. The return of these artefacts is not just about restitution; it’s about acknowledging the past and working towards a more equitable future.

The Palace Museum in Kumasi, where the artefacts will be on display.

As I left the British Museum, I couldn’t help but wonder what other secrets lay hidden in the vaults of these institutions. What other stories of colonialism and exploitation are waiting to be told? The return of these artefacts is a start, but it’s only the beginning of a much larger conversation.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the current traditional ruler of the Ashanti people, receives the artefacts in specially designed Belgian cases.

The return of the artefacts coincides with the silver jubilee anniversary of Asantehene Osei Tutu II, who first started the negotiations in May last year. It’s a significant moment for Ghana, but it’s also a reminder of the power dynamics at play. Who gets to tell the story of the past, and who gets to keep the artefacts?

The Anglo-Asante Wars, including the infamous Sagrenti War of 1874, led to the looting of the Asante Kingdom’s royal artefacts.

As I walked out of the museum, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of hope. The return of these artefacts is a step towards healing, but it’s also a reminder of the long road ahead. It’s a reminder that the past is complex, messy, and often painful. But it’s also a reminder that we can learn from it, and work towards a more equitable future.