Asanteman welcomes return of 28 British-looted gold artefacts

The Asante Kingdom has received 28 gold artefacts, increasing the total number of items recovered from British looting during the 1900s to 67.

These artefacts, rich in cultural and historical significance, were returned by AngloGold Ashanti during a grand durbar at the Manhyia Palace on November 23, 2024.

This event was held in honour of the 100th anniversary of Otumfuo Agyemang Prempeh I’s return from exile. The artefacts include linguist staff, swords, palace security locks, rings, necklaces, and gold weights depicting crocodiles and other proverbs, symbolizing the artistic and symbolic mastery of the Asante people.

The artefacts were officially handed over by a delegation from AngloGold Ashanti led by Mr Stewart Bailey, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer. Other members of the delegation included Ambassador Baso Sangqu, Senior Vice President of Group Sustainability, Eric Asubonteng, Senior Vice President for Africa, and other executives.

“It’s a deep honor for me personally to be involved in the project to send the treasures here to Kumasi, where they were forged. We are deeply honored to be part of this important moment of history to ensure that these cultural treasures are accessible not only to the Ashanti people but to Ghanaians in general,” Mr. Bailey shared his pride in returning these treasures.

He further emphasized AngloGold Ashanti’s commitment to supporting cultural preservation and celebrating the heritage of the Asante Kingdom.

Dr Ivor Agyeman-Duah, Director of the Manhyia Palace Museum, provided insights into the recovery process. Intelligence revealed that some Asante artefacts were being kept at the Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria, South Africa.

These items, originally looted by the British during the Asante wars, were acquired in 1922 by Swiss art collector Joseph Mueller. They later became part of the Barbier-Mueller Museum in Geneva before being purchased by AngloGold Ashanti in 2000.

Following this discovery, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II initiated negotiations with AngloGold Ashanti, sending Dr. Agyeman-Duah to South Africa to verify the artefacts and secure their return.

The mining company unconditionally agreed to return the artefacts, a gesture praised as an essential step toward restoring Asante’s cultural heritage.

“These treasures not only showcase the artistic ingenuity of our ancestors but also represent the resilience and pride of Asanteman in preserving our culture despite historical adversities,” Dr Agyemang-Duah said.

The event was chaired by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, alongside his mother, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, the Asantehemaa.

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

The artefacts will be showcased in the Manhyia Palace Museum, further enhancing its collection of cultural and historical treasures. Efforts to reclaim more looted artefacts continue, as the Asante Kingdom seeks to preserve and share its rich heritage with future generations.

Reporting By Jonathan Ofori, Asaase Newsroom, Kumasi [Additional photos from Opemsuo Radio and Facebook]

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