President John Dramani Mahama has called for a major global shift from simply recognising the loss of Africa’s cultural heritage to taking concrete steps to ensure the return and restitution of cultural treasures to the continent.
President Mahama made the call during a high-level side event on the return and restitution of cultural property and heritage, held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
According to the President, Africa’s cultural treasures should not be viewed merely as museum artefacts. He said they represent important links to the continent’s history, identity, culture and dignity.
Ghana Leads Push for Cultural Heritage Restitution
The high-level event was co-hosted by Ghana, France and Germany, bringing renewed international attention to the restitution and repatriation of African cultural property.
Discussions focused on the need to establish permanent and institutionalised mechanisms for the return of cultural heritage, increase investment in Africa’s cultural infrastructure and ensure the unconditional return of human remains.
President Mahama also presented Ghana’s “Next Steps” agenda, which seeks to strengthen the continent’s capacity to receive, preserve and properly manage cultural artefacts that are returned to Africa.
The agenda places emphasis on institutionalising cultural restitution, developing heritage preservation infrastructure and recognising cultural heritage as an important driver of education, tourism, national identity and creative-sector development.
Cultural Heritage and Africa’s Development
President Mahama’s position highlights the growing international discussion surrounding the repatriation of African artefacts and the role of cultural heritage in Africa’s economic and social development.
He emphasised that the history of African cultural heritage should not end with the removal of important cultural objects from the continent, but should continue through their return and preservation for future generations.
The renewed focus on cultural restitution is also expected to strengthen Africa’s tourism industry, museums, creative economy and cultural institutions, while helping communities reconnect with important aspects of their historical heritage.
Source: newsthemegh.com