Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has vowed to continue his quest to reclaim more artefacts stolen from the Asante Kingdom by British colonizers. Speaking during a courtesy visit from the American Consul General, Elliot Fertik, at the Manhyia Palace, the Asantehene expressed his determination to retrieve more of the kingdom’s treasures.
The Asantehene’s remarks come after the recent return of 32 artefacts from British museums, which are currently on display at the Manhyia Palace Museum. While welcoming the return of these artefacts, the Asantehene emphasized that more needs to be done to restore the kingdom’s cultural heritage.
“I will be giving a lecture in July at the British Museum, and I’m looking forward to attracting more of the artefacts,” the Asantehene said.
He expressed his hope that the British Museum and other institutions would consider returning more of the Asante Kingdom’s artefacts, which were looted during the 1874 Sagrenti and subsequent wars.
The Asantehene’s push for more artefacts comes as the Manhyia Palace Museum experiences a surge in tourism, with visitors eager to see the returned artefacts. The kingdom’s efforts to reclaim its cultural heritage have been met with support from international partners, including the American Consul General, who praised the Asantehene’s dedication to preserving the kingdom’s history.
As the Asantehene prepares for his lecture at the British Museum, the world watches with anticipation, hoping for a renewed commitment to returning cultural artefacts to their rightful owners. The Asante Kingdom’s quest for its stolen treasures serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the need for international cooperation in restoring the treasures of the past.
