Accra: Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has reconstituted a ten-member National Focal Team to spearhead Ghana’s efforts in the restitution and reparation of stolen cultural artefacts.
According to Ghana News Agency, this newly formed team has been tasked with identifying, documenting, negotiating, and securing the return of Ghana’s cultural treasures, while also advocating for reparative justice. At the ceremony in Accra, Madam Gomashie emphasized the long-standing issue of Ghanaian cultural artifacts being housed in foreign institutions due to colonial plunder and other exploitative acts.
She described the artefacts as key components of the nation’s identity and heritage, highlighting the void their absence has created in Ghana’s historical narrative. The Minister clarified that Ghana’s pursuit is not about vengeance but about justice and collaboration, aiming to reclaim what rightfully belongs to the Ghanaian people.
Madam Gomashie appealed to the team to carry out their mission with integrity, diplomacy, and patriotism. She assured them of the Ministry’s full support through institutional backing, inter-ministerial coordination, and international engagement to achieve their mandate.
The team, strategically led by Madam Gomashie, includes distinguished members such as Professor Kodzo Gavua, who serves as Chairperson. Other notable members are Mr. Mohammed Seidu, Mrs. Daphne Akonor, Mr. Richard Obeng Boafo, Dr. Aba Mansa Eyifa-Dzidzienyo, Mr. Edmond Moukala, Mr. Kwesi Essel Blankson, Professor Wazi Apoh, and Mr. Divine Kwame Owusu-Ansah.
The current team continues the work initiated by their predecessors, first established in April 2020. Chairperson Professor Gavua highlighted the progress made with international institutions, noting the Derby Museum’s intention to return valuable Asante artefacts and the Fowler Museum’s recent return of gold items to the Ashanti Kingdom.
Professor Gavua also mentioned ongoing discussions with the Netherlands Public Museum about the return of several collections of Ghanaian origin. He stressed that restitution is not just about the physical return of artefacts but also about restoring Ghanaian dignity and bridging historical gaps, allowing citizens to reconnect with their heritage.