After 150 year UK returns looted Ghana artefacts on loan

The United Kingdom has returned 32 gold and silver treasures looted from the Asante Kingdom in what is now Ghana over 150 years ago. The items, taken during clashes between the British and the Asante people in the 19th century, include regalia from the Asante Royal Court.

Ghanaian negotiators have confirmed that 15 items from the British Museum and 17 from the Victoria and Albert Museum will be on a six-year loan to Ghana. These artefacts will be displayed at the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi as part of celebrations honoring the king’s silver jubilee.

Ivor Agyeman-Duah, the chief negotiator, highlighted the significance of the return, emphasizing the cultural and spiritual importance of these artefacts to the Ashanti people. The exhibition is scheduled to begin on May 1.

This return follows global calls for the repatriation of African artefacts, with Nigeria also negotiating the return of items looted from the ancient kingdom of Benin. Two years ago, Benin received treasures stolen by French colonial forces in 1892.

The returned items from the UK include a 300-year-old Mponponso sword and gold peace pipe, among others, used in royal ceremonies. The loan agreements are initially for three years, with the possibility of renewal for another three.