Prominent Ghanaian historian and advisor to Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Dr. Ivor Agyemang-Duah, has provided insights into successful negotiations with the British Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum, paving the way for the return of Asante regalia to the Manhyia Palace in Ghana.
In a groundbreaking cultural collaboration, plans have been unveiled for the display of gold and silver regalia associated with the Asante royal court at the Palace Museum in Kumasi.
This display is part of a significant long-term loan commitment by the V&A and the British Museum.
The historic announcement signifies a momentous occasion, as regal items unseen in Ghana for over 150 years are set to return to their roots. Dr. Ivor Agyemang-Duah revealed that negotiations took place during the Asantehene’s visit to London in 2023, and the discussions unfolded over the last nine months.
Speaking on Citi Breakfast Show, Dr. Agyemang-Duah emphasized the concerns raised by past Asante rulers regarding the regalia held by the British Museum.
He mentioned the critical significance of the current year, marking 150 years since the war, 100 years since the return of Agyemang Prempeh from exile, and 25 years of the reign of the current Asantehene Osei Tutu II.
Dr. Agyemang-Duah explained that the artefacts would be sorted to identify those that were looted, specifying that the ones from the Victoria & Albert Museum were stolen.
When questioned about loaning stolen regalia to the Manhyia Palace, he underscored the strict laws governing the UK museums, preventing the permanent return of objects that were looted or stolen.