UK to Loan Back Ghana’s Looted ‘Crown Jewels

Sudan Events – Sumaya Sayed 

The UK is set to return some of Ghana’s significant cultural artefacts, including a gold peace pipe, that were looted from the Asante king’s court 150 years ago.

The Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) is contributing 17 pieces, while the British Museum is lending 15 items, including a sword of state and gold badges.

The artefacts, taken during 19th-Century conflicts, hold great spiritual and cultural importance to Ghana, akin to the Benin Bronzes. The three-year loan agreements, extendable to six years, are with the Asantehene, the current Asante king and the items will be displayed at the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi.

While some UK museums face legal restrictions preventing permanent returns, these loans are seen as a compromise, allowing objects to be temporarily repatriated. Tristram Hunt, V&A’s director, stressed that this cultural partnership is not restitution but a means of fostering collaboration