Gold and bronze artefacts from South Africa and United Kingdom returned to Ghana
Ghana’s Asante king, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, receives 130 looted gold and bronze treasures from the UK and South Africa.
On 11 November 2025, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II received more than 130 gold and bronze artefacts returned by institutions in the United Kingdom and South Africa.
The hand-over of these artefacts at the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi marks a turning point in how we view the legacy of African empires and colonial dispossession.
The items, including royal regalia, drums and ceremonial gold weights, date from the late 19th to early 20th centuries and were taken during colonial wars or acquired on the open market.
What exactly was returned
The returned treasures span items such as:
- Ornate gold stool-ornaments and ceremonial swords.
- Royal drums that accompanied the Asantehene (king) into public ceremonies.
- Bronze and gold weights used historically in trade and governance within the Asante Kingdom.
These artefacts had long been held in institutions overseas the British Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, and private collections in some cases for over 150 years.
Why this matters for Ghana, Africa and beyond
For Ghana, the restitution brings cultural healing and reclaiming of heritage. The Asante Kingdom’s identity is deeply tied to these artefacts they symbolise power, spirituality and ancestry.
For Africans everywhere, the move signals respect for heritage and sets a precedent for restitution across the continent.
By locating the artefacts back home, Ghana stands to boost cultural tourism, strengthen educational research and deepen national pride.
For Africans abroad, the story becomes one of reconnection heritage isn’t confined to museums in Europe or elsewhere; it belongs to the land, its people and their history.
The journey ahead
While this return is significant, many artefacts still remain overseas and some are on long-term loans rather than permanent restitution.
Advocacy continues, but the gesture opens doors for further dialogue about colonial legacies and cultural ownership.
King Osei Tutu II called the return a “homecoming of our heritage” at the ceremony.