As part of ongoing international restitution efforts, the governments of the Netherlands and Germany have announced plans to return around 2,000 stolen antiques and culturally significant items to Ghana.
The declaration was made at the Next Steps Conference, where both nations’ diplomats sent President John Dramani Mahama a list of the items slated for repatriation during the plenary session.
President John Dramani Mahama receiving a catalogue of antiques from German Ambassador H.E. Frederik Landshöft
In a Facebook post on Saturday, June 20, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed the development and described it as a significant step in attempts to rectify the historical removal of African cultural heritage during the colonial era.
He states that after persistent diplomatic engagement and recent international policy discussions on cultural heritage, the promise represents a growing readiness on the part of other countries to participate in reparation procedures.
Mr. Ablakwa added that Denmark’s Foreign Minister apologised for the nation’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade and promised to promote the preservation of castles constructed during that time.
According to him, the commitment is a component of larger initiatives meant to advance historical accuracy, recognise historical injustices, and guarantee non-repetition.
Following the approval of a United Nations resolution on cultural restitution led by Ghana, the Foreign Affairs Minister continued, “Ghana welcomes the development as part of what he described as increasing cooperation from international partners.”
The Minister said, “We applaud the positive conduct of restitution we are beginning to witness from our international partners in Europe since the adoption of the historic UN Resolution led by Ghana.”
Source: newsthemegh.com