Historic cultural treasures to be returned to Ghana's king

RFI

23 November 2024 at 2:37 am·1-min read

California's Fowler Museum restituted seven royal objects to the Asante king in February.

Ghana's Asante king, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will receive 28 historic gold ornaments and regalia this weekend, in the latest major restoration of cultural treasures to the West African country.

The objects, dating to the 19th century, are symbols of governance, chiefship and royal heritage.

Originally crafted by Asante court artisans, they include swords, linguist staffs, palace security locks, rings, necklaces and gold weights.

The artefacts were authenticated by historian and associate director of the Manhyia Palace Museum, Ivor Agyeman-Duah.

"This is a significant cultural moment for Ghana and Africa," he said.

Speaking to AFP, he described the regalia as "masterpieces of gold smithery reflecting the sophistication of Asante court governance".

The presentation will take place at a mini-durbar at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the return from exile of the king's grand-uncle, Nana Agyeman Prempeh I.

The event will also honour the visiting president of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, according to a statement from the palace.

Agyeman-Duah said the restitution follows a direct appeal that the Asante king – the Asantehene – made earlier this year to AngloGold Ashanti, a South African mining company, to hand back the artefacts.

Their return to Kumasi was approved three weeks ago by the Reserve Bank of South Africa, the statement added.

Australian Associated Press
Ex Pakistani PM Imran Khan, wife indicted over gifts
Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife are accused of keeping and selling state gifts they received while in office, including jewellery.
Australian Associated Press
India's Gukesh is youngest world chess champion - at 18
India's Gukesh Dommaraju has made history by becoming the youngest world chess champion at the age of just 18.
Australian Associated Press
Crawford heats up as JackJumpers crush Fall's Breakers
Tasmania sharpshooter Jordon Crawford has nailed 22 points in the first half against the NZ Breakers to lead the JackJumpers to their fifth straight win.
Australian Associated Press
Bullets' comeback sours Sobey's return to Brisbane
Brisbane import Keandre Cook has scored a career-high 33 points to lead the Bullets to a 116-108 come-from-behind victory over South East Melbourne.
Australian Associated Press
Alleged police killing of fugitive 'complete nonsense'
An inquest is examining the death of a wanted man whose body was found in a burnt-out car following a police pursuit in bushland.
Australian Associated Press
Prosecutors close Swedish rape probe linked to Mbappe
Prosecutors in Sweden say they have dropped a rape investigation launched in connection with French soccer star Kylian Mbappe's recent visit to Stockholm.
Australian Associated Press
Woodside gas project given WA environmental approval
After six years of assessment and hundreds of appeals against it, a massive Woodside gas project has been given WA environmental approval to operate until 2070.
Australian Associated Press
Youth offenders now face 'adult crime, adult time' laws
A controversial "adult crime, adult time" election pledge has become law after tough youth justice legislation was passed in Queensland parliament.
Australian Associated Press
Rape-accused rapper facing reckless driving charge
A UK YouTube star and rapper has been charged with hoon driving while on bail accused of raping and choking a woman in a hotel room.
Australian Associated Press
Bumrah bowls as skipper Rohit offers hint of opening
India's strike weapon Jasprit Bumrah got through 30 minutes of bowling unscathed in Brisbane, while Rohit Sharma showed signs he could open the batting.
Australian Associated Press
Local players union blasts Saudi World Cup 2034 rights
Human rights groups as well as Australia's professional soccer union have criticised FIFA's confirmation of Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup hosts.
Australian Associated Press
Hazlewood survives crucial off-site net session
Josh Hazlewood has enhanced his chances of playing in the third Test against India at the Gabba, while Mitch Marsh is confident he is back bowling uninhibited.
Australian Associated Press
New Zealand overturns ban on US conservative firebrand
Candace Owens is free to enter New Zealand after the government overturned a ban on the US conservative commentator entering the country for a speaking tour.
Australian Associated Press
Early rates cut all but dashed as unemployment dips
Australia's unemployment rate has unexpectedly fallen to 3.9 per cent, bolstering the argument for the Reserve Bank of Australia to keep rates on hold.
Australian Associated Press
Bulldogs $6m abuse payout slashed, but verdict upheld
A man abused by a Bulldogs volunteer as a child has had his almost-$6 million payout from the AFL club more than halved, but his lawyers say it is still a win.
Australian Associated Press
Sevens stars join Super Rugby to push World Cup claims
The Wallaroos could be boosted by some strike power, with superstar Maddison Levi among nine sevens players looking to play in the 15-a-side World Cup.
Australian Associated Press
Tim Tszyu brushes Zerafa to chase world titles
Tim Tszyu isn't giving up on his dream of making the boxing big time and says a fight with Australian rival Michael Zerafa isn't part of his plans.
Australian Associated Press
No pants, no problem: MP cleared over night parly visit
An ethics committee has cleared an MP and security staff over a late-night entry to parliament but raised concern about how the public found out about it.
Australian Associated Press
Push to strengthen hate crime laws and tackle threats
The government should make it an offence to threaten marginalised Australians and set up a national database to help combat hate crimes, a committee recommends.
Australian Associated Press
'We want an arrest': new push over exhumed teen's death
His grave has been dug up and fresh evidence handed over, but the battle by the family of Lewis Kelly for justice for the Indigenous teen continues.

Latest stories