A California museum on Thursday, February 8, returned seven royal artefacts to Ghana’s Ashanti king, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in commemoration of his silver jubilee. The treasures, including a gold necklace and an ornamental chair, looted during colonial times and were presented at a ceremony in Kumasi.
The return highlights increasing pressure on European and US museums to restore African artefacts taken during colonial rule. The Ashanti monarch expressed hope that the repatriation would contribute to unity and peace in the kingdom.
The objects will be displayed at the Manhyia Palace Museum as part of the year-long celebration of the silver jubilee.
This move aligns with recent announcements by the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum to lend looted treasures back to Ghana in a six-year deal.