[IMAGES] Otumfuo receives 28 more gold artefacts restituted from AngloGold Ashanti

The Asante Kingdom has welcomed the return of 28 gold artefacts from AngloGold Ashanti, bringing the total number of restituted treasures from the British loot of the 1900s to 67.

The artefacts, which include linguist staff, swords, palace security locks, rings, necklaces, and gold-weights symbolizing crocodiles and scandals, were officially handed over during a grand durbar at the Manhyia Palace on November 23, 2024.

The event also marked the 100th anniversary of the return of Otumfuo Agyemang Prempeh I, the 13th Asantehene, from exile.

The move to recover the artefacts followed intelligence received about their housing at the Javett Art Centre, University of Pretoria, after being acquired by AngloGold Ashanti from Switzerland’s Barbier-Mueller Museum.

According to Dr. Ivor Agyeman-Duah, Director of the Manhyia Palace Museum, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II initiated discussions with AngloGold, which culminated in their unconditional return.

Dr. Agyeman-Duah acknowledged the collaborative efforts of stakeholders, highlighting the significant cultural and historical value of these artefacts, originally forged in Asanteman and later looted by the British in wars.

Speaking at the ceremony, Stewart Bailey, AngloGold Ashanti’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, expressed pride in facilitating the return of the treasures to their rightful home.

“It’s a deep honour for me personally to be involved in the project to send the treasures here to Kumasi where they were forged,” he remarked.

Bailey emphasized the company’s commitment to preserving the Asante Kingdom’s rich heritage, ensuring that the artefacts are accessible to both the Asante people and Ghanaians at large.

The artefacts will be permanently displayed at the Manhyia Palace Museum, further enriching the nation’s cultural repository.

The durbar, chaired by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom III, drew a distinguished gathering of dignitaries.

Among those present were the President of Seychelles, H.E. Wavel Ramkalawan, First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, Prime Minister of Eswatini, Russell Mmiso Dlamini, former Ghanaian President John Agyekum Kufuor, and founder of the Movement for Change, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen.