Manhyia Palace Museum and Justice and Repair Sign MOU to Repatriate Stolen Asante Artifacts
In a significant step towards restitution and reparation, the Manhyia Palace Museum and Justice and Repair, a movement advocating for the return of stolen cultural artifacts, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The agreement aims to facilitate the return of rooted objects from the Asante kingdom, promoting cultural cooperation and reconciliation.
Signed on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, Ghana, the MOU was witnessed by staff from both institutions.
Ivor Agyemang-Duah, Director of the Manhyia Palace Museum, and Yvonne Darkwa Opoku, Executive Council Member of Justice and Repair, signed the agreement.
The partnership seeks to empower the Manhyia Palace Museum through advocacy and negotiation to reclaim stolen artifacts.
This effort is bolstered by the recent return of 32 royal objects by the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum in April 2024.
These golden artifacts, taken during the Anglo-Asante Wars, are now kept at the Manhyia Palace Museum.
With the support of Justice and Repair, with its headquarters in Accra, Ghana, the museum plans to research and negotiate with institutions holding Asante artifacts, ensuring their safe return.
Ivor Agyemang-Duah, in his speech, said, “The agreement between the two will empower the Manhyia Palace through advocacy and negotiations to get back artifacts that are stolen from the kingdom back in the years.
Yvonne Darkwa Opoku on her part, emphasized the importance of advocacy campaigns to raise awareness about the significance of repatriating cultural artifacts to their rightful owners.
“This milestone agreement marks a crucial step towards rectifying historical injustices and promoting cultural heritage preservation,” Yvonne Darkwa Opoku stated.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah
