The United Kingdom has returned objects it looted from the Asante Kingdom during the Anglo-Asante Wars in the 19th Century.
The artefacts were returned on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, according to Graphic Online, by the British Museum (BM) and Albert Museum (V&A).
Otumfo Osei Tutu II, the Ashanti people’s current traditional ruler, is the party to the loan agreement rather than the Ghanaian government.
The permanent return of the artifacts has been rendered unfeasible due to legal restrictions in the UK.
Since Asantehene Osei Tutu II initiated the negotiations in May of last year, the return of the artifacts has coincided with his silver jubilee year.
“Gold and silver regalia, associated with the Asante royal court, will be displayed at the Palace Museum as part of a long-term loan commitment by the Victoria & Albert and the British Museum,” the Asante Palace said in a statement.
The Manhyia Palace Museum will be closed for three weeks for installation and encasing once the objects are given to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in Kumasi in specially made Belgian cases.
The gold artifacts represent the historic authority of the Ashanti people.
Source: Ghana/MaxTV/Max89.7FM/max.com.gh/Michael Mensah Martey/
