Pride, joy erupts in Ghana as 'crown jewels' looted by British goes on display

A century and fifty years after being taken by British colonists, Asante kingdom artifacts that were looted are now on display in Ghana.

The 32 pieces were welcomed home by Ghanaians who came to the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of the Asante region.

“This is Asante’s day. A day honoring the continent of Black Africa. “Our shared spirit has returned,” declared Asante King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The things have only been lent to Ghana for a period of three years at this point.

This loan, however, may be extended.

The artifacts’ return is a contentious and noteworthy decision.

Loan agreements like this one are viewed as a means of enabling artifacts to return to their countries of origin because national institutions in the UK, such as the V&A and British Museum, are prohibited by law from permanently returning controversial items in their collections.

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Some nations vying for ownership of contested artifacts worry such loans could be interpreted as an endorsement of UK ownership.

Many Ghanaians believe the decorations ought to stay in place forever. Nonetheless, this new arrangement allows for an escape from British legal constraints.

African nations have been demanding the return of plundered goods on several occasions, with some even reclaiming possession of priceless historical artifacts in the last few years.

Germany returned more than 1,000 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria in 2022. The German foreign minister described it as a first step toward addressing a “dark colonial history” at the time.

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Not the Ghanaian government, but the Asante king and two British museums—the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) and the British Museum—are parties to the deal.

The Asante king, also known as Asantehene, is revered as a representation of conventional power and is thought to be endowed with the ghosts of his ancestors. Nonetheless, Ghana’s contemporary democracy now includes his realm.

“Our dignity is restored,” Henry Amankwaatia, a retired police commissioner and proud Asante, told the BBC, over the hum of jubilant drumming.