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Jim Crow laws
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4418
48327
48319
2025-06-13T09:23:40Z
Gloria Adokoh
1376
Medze nsɛm no bi kaa ho
48327
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Nna '''Jim Crow''' mbra no yɛ ɔman na mpɔtamu hɔ mbra a wɔdze bae wɔ United States Anaafo afamu wɔ afeha a ɔtɔ do 19 n;ewiei na afeha a ɔtɔ so 20 n'ahyɛse a ɔhyɛɛ mbusuakuw mu mpaapaamu mu dzen, "Jim Crow" yɛ kasafua a wɔdze bu Amerikafo a wɔyɛ ebibifo enyimtsia. Wɔdaan Jim Crow mbra a otwa tun no wɔ afe 1965 mu. Nna mbusuakuw mu mpaapaamu ho nhyehyɛɛ a wɔahyɛ da ara ayɛ nye dza onnyi mbra mu wɔ United States mbea afofor so, ber mpo a nna aman pii a wonnyi Anaafo afa mu abra nyiyimu wɔ ɔmanfo daber na ambatow mu. Aborɔfo a wɔdɔɔ so wɔ ɔman no ne mbrahyɛbagua mu no na wɔhyɛ mbra wɔ Anaafo afamu na wɔhyehyɛɛ mbra dze gyee hɔn fahodzi na wɔayi amambu na sikasɛm mu mfaso a Amerikafo a wɔyɛ ebibifo nyae wɔ Ɔdansi ber no mu no efi hɔ.Lily-white no kuw a ogyinae no so boaa mbusuakuw mu mpaapaamu a ɔkɔr do no.
Ne yɛ mu no, Jim Crow mbra ahorow hyɛe dɛ wɔmfa mbusuakuw mu mpaapaamu nkɔ ɔmamfo adan nyina mu wɔ nkan Amerika Aman Nkabɔmu Aman no mu na aman afofor bi mu, ofitsi afe1870 no mu. Wodzii Jim Crow mbra ahorow no do wɔ afe 1896 mu wɔ Plessy v. Ferguson n'asɛndzii no mu, a Asɛndzibea no dze ne mbra nkyerɛkyerɛ a “ɔtsew no ho naaso ɔyɛ pɛr” a ɔfa adan a wɔdze bɛma Amerikafo a wɔyɛ ebibifo ho no too hɔ. Wɔdze ɔmamfo no faa nwomasua mu ne tsitsiriw fitsi ber a wɔdze bɔbɔɔ adze wɔ Anaafo afa mu ne fa kɛse noara wɔ Ɔmanko no ekyir wɔ 1861–1865 mu. Ɔreyɛ ayɛ dɛ mbra a ɔfa awarfo ho no amma Amerikafo a wɔyɛ ebibifo nyina anntow ambatow wɔ Anaafo afa mu na ɔmaa wɔamma obiara annyɛ ananmusinyi biara wɔ ɔman no mu.
Ɔwɔ mu dɛ wɔ nsusui mu no na mpaapaamu nkyerɛkyerɛ a "ɔyɛ pɛr" no dzi ɔmamfo ndzɛmba na akwantu do kwan dze, naaso nna mbea a wɔdze ma Amerikafo a wɔyɛ ebibifo no suar ber nyina na nna wonnya sika pii ber a wɔdze toto adan a wɔdze ma Amerikafo aborɔfo ho no; ɔtɔ da bi a, nna adan biara nnyi hɔ mma ebibifo mpɔtamu hɔfo koraa. Nna kwan kɛse noara na ɔda ɔno na pɛryɛ ntamu , dɛ mbrahyɛ kuw no, Jim Crow dze sikasɛm, nwomasua, amambu na asetsena mu ɔhaw ahorow na ɔman ba a ɔtɔ do ebien sii hɔ maa Amerikafo a wɔyɛ ebibifo dodow noara a wɔtse United States.Ber a wɔtseew National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) kuw no wɔ afe 1909 no n'ekyir no, ɔdze no ho hyɛɛ ɔmanfo ɔsɔretsia a ɔkɔr do na ɔsatu ahorow a wɔdze tsiaa Jim Crow mbra ahorow, nye dza wɔfrɛ no "tsetsewmu naaso wɔyɛ pɛr" nkyerɛkyerɛ no mu.
Afe 1954 mu no, U.S. Asɛndzibea no kaa dɛ ɔman skuul ahorow a wɔpaapae mu (a ɔman no boa) no nnyi mbra mu ber a nna woridzi Brown v. n'asɛm no. Board of Education of Topeka. Aman bi mu no, ɔgyee mfe pii ansaana wɔdze dɛm egyinasi yi ridzi dwuma, ber a Warren Asɛndzibea no kɔr do buu atsɛn tsiaa Jim Crow mbra wɔ nsɛm afofor tse dɛ Heart of Atlanta Motel, Inc. v. United States (1964) mu. Yɛreka no dodow mu a, Civil Rights Act of 1964 no taa dan Jim Crow mbra a aka no. Wɔtaa dan Anaafo afamu ɔman no ne mbra a ɔko tsia ebusua a wɔdze hɔnho hyɛ mu no wɔ afe1967 asɛm a ɔnye Loving v. Virginia ridzi no mu.
== '''Abɔse''' ==
Yebotum aka dɛ ber a odzi kan wɔdze asɛmfua "Jim Crow mmara" dzii dwuma yɛ afe 1884 mu wɔ atsesɛm krataa mu asɛm bi a ɔbɔ mbrahyɛbagua ekyingyegye ho asɛm tsiaba mu. Kasafua no pue wɔ afe 1892 mu wɔ New York Times asɛm bi a ɔfa Louisiana a ɔhwehwɛ dɛ wɔdze keteke kar a wɔatsew hɔn ho no mu. Wɔtaa ka dɛ asɛmfua "Jim Crow" n'abɔse fi "Jump Jim Crow", ndwom na asaw mfonyin a ɔfa ebibifo ho a borɔnyi ɔgofoba Thomas D. Rice a ɔkokwaaw n'enyim tuntum yɛe, a odzii kan yɛɛ no wɔ afe 1828 mu. Osiandɛ Rice gyee dzin ntsi, nna Jim Crow abɛyɛ asɛm a ɔyɛ enyimtisabu a ɔkyerɛ "Negro" wɔ afe 1838 mu. Ber a Anaafo afa mu mbrahyɛbagua ahorow no hyehyɛɛ mbusuakuw mu mpaapaamu ho mbra a wɔdze tsia Amerikafo a wɔyɛ ebibifo wɔ afeha a ɔtɔ do 19 n'ewiei no, na wɔbɛfrɛɛ dɛm mbra ahorow yi Jim Crow mbra.
== '''Farbaa''' ==
Afe January 1865 mu no, mbrahyɛbagua no dze nsesa bi a ɔbɛma woetu nkowaasom wɔ United States no ho nhyehyɛɛ mae na wɔgyee too mu dɛ Nsesa a ɔto do Du ebiasa wɔ December 18, 1865 afe no mu.
Nsiesie ber a ɔbae wɔ afe 1865–1877 mu no, aban mbra dze ɔmamfo hokwan ahorow ho ahobambɔ mae wɔ U.S. Anaafo afa mu maa hɔn a wɔadze hɔnho efi nkowaasom mu, Amerikafo a wɔyɛ ebibifo a nna wɔyɛ nkowaa, na ebibifo kakraa bi a nna wɔdze hɔnho ansaana ɔko no reba. 1870 afe no mu no, Democratfo san nyaa tum wɔ Anaafo afa mu mbrahyɛbaguafo mu ber a basabasayɛfo etuatsewfo kuw a wɔaka abɔ mu, tse dɛ Ku Klux Klan, White League, na Red Shirts sɛe Republicanfo nhyehyɛɛ, tuu Republicanfo mpanyimfo, tui fii kurow no mu, na wokum ebibifo ambatofo dɛ ehunahuna kwan a wɔfa do siw ebibifo ambatofo no ano kwan. Wɔdze ambatowfo nsisi kɛse so dzii dwuma. Asɛm bi mu no, etuatsew anaa etuatsew a ɔkɔr do pefee wɔ North Carolina mpoano no maa woyii Republican kuw no mu mpanyimfo na ananmusifo mpanyimfo a wɔpaaw hɔn wɔ ka bi na menka bi kwan do no fii hɔ, na wɔhwehwɛɛ hɔn anaadɛ wɔtaa hɔn fii hɔ. Nna Amrado ambatow aban no na wɔagye ho ekyingye wɔ Louisiana mfe pii, na basabasayɛ a wɔyɛe tsiaa Amerikafo ebibifo no kɔr sor wɔ ɔsatu ahorow mu fi 1868 rokɔ no.
Nsiesie a wɔyɛe wɔ 1877 mu dɛ wobenya Anaafo afamu mboa wɔ amampanyinfo ambatow no mu no maa aban noyii ɔman no mu aseraafo a wotwa tun no fii Anaafo afa mu. Nna Democratfo Aborɔfo asan enya amambu mu tum wɔ Anaafo afa mu mantɔw biara mu. Dɛm Anaafo afa mu no, aborɔfo, "Agyefo" aban ne mbra Jim Crow mbra ahorow, na ɔtsetseew ɔman no mu nyimpa mu wɔ mbra kwan do. Nna Jim Crow mbra ahorow no yɛ tumdzi amambu a wɔdze kyerɛ ebusuakuw kor pɔtsee bi a wɔada no edzi.
Nna wɔda ho ara paw ebibifo kɔ mpɔtamu hɔ edwumayɛbea ahorow mu wɔ afe 1880 no mu wɔ mpɔtamu hɔ mbea a ebibifo dɔɔ so, naaso wosiiw hɔn ambatow ano kwan wɔ ɔman no mu. Aman no hyɛɛ mbra dɛ wɔbɛma ambatowfo dzinkyerɛw na ambatow ho mbra ayɛ anohyeto kɛse, na ma ofii mu bae nye dɛ ebibifo dodow noara ne aborɔfo ehiafo pii amambu mu kyɛfa a wonyae no hyɛɛ ase dɛ no do retsew. Afe 1890 na 1910 ntamu no, nkan Confederate aman du-biako no mu du, a ɔhyɛɛ ase wɔ Mississippi, yɛɛ mbrahyɛbagua fofor anaa nsesa ahorow a ɔmaa ebibifo dodow noara na aborɔfo ehiafo mpempem pii nyaa akwanya ber a wɔkaa tow ahorow bɔbɔɔ mu, akenkan ne akyerɛw na ntsease ho sɔhwɛ ahorow, n ahwehwɛdze ahorow a ɔfa tsenabea na kyerɛwtohɔ so a wɔaka abɔmu do. Nananom nsɛm maa aborɔfo binom a wonyim akenkan na akyerɛw kwan ma wɔtoow amba naaso amma ebibifo dodow noara ahotɔ biara.
Nyimpa dodow a wɔtow amba no do tsewee kɛse wɔ Anaafo afamu ɔnam dɛm nhyehyɛɛ no ho ntsi. Ekɔ Louisiana a, nyimpa dodow 1900 no, nna ebibifo a wɔtow amba no hɔn do tsewee baa 5,320 wɔ nyimpa dodow a wɔkyerɛɛw hɔn edzin no, ɔwɔ mu dɛ nna hɔn na wɔdɔɔ so wɔ ɔman no mu dze . Odur afe 1910 mu no, ebibifo 730 pɛ na wɔkyerɛɛw hɔn edzin, na onndu ebibifo a wɔfata dɛ wɔtow amba no mu 0.5% mpo. "Ɔman no nsɔr nsɔr ahorow 60 no mu 27 mu no, wɔannkyerɛw ebibifo ambatowfo kor mpo ne dzin bio; wɔ asɔre ahorow 9 fofor mu no, ebibifo ambatowfo kor pɛ na wɔkyerɛɛw ne dzin. Carolina n'Anaafo afamu aman afofor no kyerɛ dɛ, woyii ebibifo ambatowfo hɔn edzin fii ambatow krataa no mu fitsi afe 1896 kɛpeem 1904. Hɔn a nna wɔyɛ adantamfo wɔ ahodze mu no, hɔn nkɔdo berɛɛ adze. Ekɔ Carolina n'Anaafo nye Etsifi aman bi do a, ebibifo binom hun amandze osiandɛ nna wɔmma wonnhu dza ɔrokɔdo wɔ amambu no mu. "[ Mfe du a nna wonnyi hokwan mu no, nna aborɔfo tumdzi ɔsatu no eyi ebibifo adzefo a wɔtɔ do ebien no hɔn ho asɛm efi hɔn tsir mu ."Ekɔ Albama a, wogyee aborɔfo ehiafo mpempem du so hɔn fahodzi fii hɔn nsamu, ɔwɔ mu dɛ ahyɛse no nna mbrahyɛbaguafo ahyɛ hɔn bɔ dɛ akwansiwdze fofor no rinnsiw hɔn kwan dze.
Hɔn a woenntum anntow amba no mfata dɛ wɔsom wɔ asɛndzi baguafo mu na worunntum so nnyɛ edwuma mma mpɔtamu hɔ edwumayɛbea ahorow no mu biara. Woyii hɔnho fii amambu mu koraa, osiandɛ nna worunntum nnya nsunsuando biara wɔ ɔman no ne mbrahyɛbaguafo nsɛm mu, na wobuu whɔn enyi guu hɔn enyigyedze do. Ber a nna Reconstruction mbrahyɛbaguafo dze aban skuul ahorow esi hɔ ber a odzi wɔ Anaafo afamu aman dodow noara mu no, nna sika a wɔdze ma mbofra a wɔyɛ ebibifo no nndzi mu sɛ yɛdze toto skuul ahorow a mmbofra aborɔfo wɔ mu no ho a, ber mpo a wosusuw ho wɔ ɔko no ekyir wɔ Anaafo afamu ber a asaaba no bo kɔr do kɔr famu ma ɔmaa kuayɛ mu sikasɛm so baa famu no.
Tse dɛ skuul ahorow no, nna wonnya sika pii mma ɔmamfo nwomakorabea ahorow a wɔdze ma ebibifo, sɛ ɔwɔ hɔ koraa a, nna wɔtaa dze nwoma a wɔdze edzi dwuma dada nye ndzɛmba afofor gu mu. Wɔammfa dɛm ndzɛmba yinom amma Amerikafo a wɔyɛ ebibifo wɔ Anaafo afamu kesii mfe du a odzi kan wɔ afeha a ɔtɔ do 20 no mu. Jim Crow ber no nyina mu no, nna nwomakorabea ahorow wɔ mbea bi nkotsee. Ansana afeha a ɔtɔ do eduonu reba no, nna nwomakorabea dodow noara a wɔdze sii hɔ maa Amerikafo a wɔyɛ ebibifo no yɛ skuul na nwomakorabea a wɔaka abɔ mu. Wɔhyehyɛɛ aban nwomakorabea pii maa Europa-Amerikafo na Afrika-Amerikafo a wɔboaa Europafo na Afrikafo-Amerikafo nyina wɔ dɛm ber yi mu osian adzefo a wɔtɔ do ebien mu mpanyimfo hɔn dwumadzi a wɔdze boa a ofi Carnegie Kuw no hɔ bae ntsi.
tg3lq2upq15mz3zwyffni2u1r4gyntn
Ghana’s Call for Return of Ancestral Remains from UK Institutions
0
4419
48326
2025-06-12T17:12:22Z
Gloria Adokoh
1376
Meyɛɛ atekel fofor
48326
wikitext
text/x-wiki
== Nyienyim ==
Ndaansa yi mu dze, wiadze nyina ayɛ kor reper dɛ wɔsan dze kusum ndzɛmba na hɔn a wowuwui wɔ nkowaatɔn ber mu no hɔn mu no bɔkɔ aman a wɔfae fii mu no bio. Aman a wodzi dɛm ahwehwɛdze yi mu adɔntsen nye ɔman Ghana a wɔrohwehwɛ dɛ hɔn nsa bɛka nananom hɔn mu nkaa na ndzɛmba a ɔsom hɔn bo ara yie a UKfo da ho wɔ no hɔn nkyɛn no nyina.<ref>https://www.honour.org.uk/value-of-human-remains-conference-museum-of-london/</ref> Dɛm ahwehwɛdze yi ka kwan a yɛbɛfa do etu tum a Aborɔfo wɔ no Ebibifo do na aman ahorow mu ayɛ kor ma abakɔsɛm mu atsɛnkyea a Europefo yɛɛ tsiaa Ebibifo no nyina woeetum esiesie.
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== No Ho Abakɔsɛm ==
Ber a Britainfo ridzi Ebibifo hɔn do no, kusum amandze na amambra ho akadze pii, nyimpa binom hɔn mu, na kusum abakɔsɛm ho nkaedum ndzɛmba ahorow na wɔfaa nyansa kwan do dze kɔree. Wɔdze dɛm ndzɛmba yi kɔr Europe na wɔdze kɔr hɔn tsetse ndzɛmba korabea ahorow,esuapɔn mu, na ankorankor hɔn nsumaa mu ndzɛmba a hɔnankasa wɔboaboa ano kɛkyerɛe a, mpɛn pii no hɔn wɔfaa dɛm ndzɛmba yi fi hɔn hɔ no mpo nna wonnyim ho hwee. Dɛm su a wɔdaa no edzi no nnkyerɛ enyidzi dɛ mbrɛ ''Museum Ethics kyerɛ'' no.<ref>https://api.mountainscholar.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/7773bfb8-08ce-4c5c-923a-43c557baa1af/content</ref>
Ghana a na wɔfrɛ no Gold Coast wɔ Britania nniso mu no hweree amammerɛ kɛse denam atubrafo akwantu ahorow, nnipa ho adesua, ne asotwe ntua so. Sɛ nhwɛsoɔ no, Britania Asotweɛ Akwantuo a ɛkɔɔ so wɔ afe 1874 mu tiaa Asante Ahemman no maa wɔgyee sika kɔkɔɔ ntadeɛ, nyamesom nneɛma, ne nnipa afunu, a emu pii kowieeɛ wɔ asoɛeɛ te sɛ British Museum, Oxford University’s Pitt Rivers Museum, ne Cambridge University’s Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (Sarr & Savoy, 2018).
Ghana a nna wɔfrɛ no Gold Coast wɔ dzi a Britainfo bedzii hɔn do no mu no, wɔhweer ndzɛmba pii. No mu bi nye hɔn a wɔhyɛɛ hɔn dze hɔn kɔr nkurow a nna ommfi hɔn pɛ mu, hɔn a nhwehwɛmu a wɔrepɛ ayɛ ntsi wɔsesaaw ndzɛmba ahorow kɔree,nna nhyɛ a wɔdze too hɔn a wɔnye hɔn peer dɛm ndzɛmba yi ho no. ''British Punitive Expedition of 1874''<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punitive_expedition</ref> (Britainffo Asotwe Nhyɛ Ntui a ɔkɔr do wɔ afe 1874) mu no, ɔkoe tsiaa Esuantseman no ma wɔgyee nafadze a wɔdze sika kɔkɔɔ ayɛ , dza ɔyɛ kusum ndzɛmba ,na nyimpa mu ahorow , a no mu dodowara pii kowiee wɔ mbea bi tse dɛ Britainfo Hɔn Tsetse Ndzɛmba Korabea mu, Oxford Esuapɔn Pitt Esutsen Ne Tsetse Ndzɛmba Korabea mu na Cambridge Esuapɔn no Tsetse Ndzɛmba Korabea a Ɔfa Asaase mu na Nyimpa Ho Nhwehwɛmu ho mu.<ref>http://restitutionreport2018.com/</ref>
== '''Current Calls for Repatriation''' ==
In 2023 and 2024, Ghana renewed its call for the '''return of ancestral remains''' and sacred objects from the UK. These demands form part of a wider international push led by countries such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Kenya. Ghana’s focus is not only on '''tangible cultural property''' but also on the '''human remains''' of ancestors taken without consent and studied or displayed in academic contexts.
According to a report by the '''All-Party Parliamentary Group for Afrikan Reparations (APPG-AR)''' in the UK, the continued possession and display of African human remains—such as mummified bodies, skulls, and bones—are forms of ongoing colonial violence and spiritual desecration (Guardian, 2025). The group recommended new legislation that would prohibit public exhibition and the sale of human remains and called for a UK-wide restitution authority to oversee repatriation efforts (Reuters, 2025).
== 1. A Legacy of Loss: Colonial Plunder and Its Long Shadow ==
The story begins in the 19th century, when British colonial forces attacked and sacked the '''Asante capital of Kumasi'''—notably during the Third Anglo-Asante War (1873–1874). British troops seized vast Asante royal regalia: gold swords, ceremonial umbrellas, soul-washer badges, and even human remains taken for “scientific” or museum exhibition purposes. These invaluable items eventually ended up scattered among British institutions: the '''British Museum''', '''Victoria & Albert (V&A) Museum''', universities, and private collections.
Yet far more was lost than precious metals. These treasures encoded Ashanti beliefs, spiritual practices, and the very memory of their ancestors. Take the gold "soul washer" badges—the sacred emblems worn by ritual specialists charged with purifying the Asante king’s soul. Or the ceremonial swords used daily in kingly rituals. Their removal left a spiritual void that resonated far beyond Kumasi’s palace walls.
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== 2. Modern-Day Reclaiming: The 2024 Loan of Asante Treasures ==
=== 🔄 A Return—But Only a Loan ===
In January 2024, something extraordinary happened: the '''British Museum''' and the '''V&A''' announced a '''three‑year, renewable loan''' of 32 Asante gold and silver items—17 from V&A and 15 from the British Museum—back to Ghana’s '''Manhyia Palace Museum''' in Kumasi (apnews.com, telegraph.co.uk).
Though the arrangement skirted full restitution due to the '''British Museum Act 1963''' and the '''National Heritage Act 1983''', it made history. Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A, commented:<blockquote>“One hundred and fifty years after the attack on Kumasi… the V&A is proud to be partnering… as part of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s silver jubilee celebrations.” (theguardian.com)</blockquote>And Ghana’s own cultural adviser, Nana Oforiatta Ayim, called the loan:<blockquote>“They’re not just objects… They have spiritual importance… part of the soul of the nation” (theguardian.com).</blockquote>Despite the praise, many Ghanaians criticized the move. Lorraine King, a UK-based broadcaster, wrote on X (Twitter):<blockquote>“A burglar raids your home … and then grudgingly Loan them back … well the UK will loan Ghana the crown jewels they stole…” (theguardian.com).</blockquote>
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== 3. Real Returns: US Museums and Ghana’s Precious Regalia ==
Something even more impactful occurred in February 2024, though largely underreported internationally. The '''Fowler Museum at UCLA''' voluntarily '''permanently returned''' seven Asante royal items—ranging from necklaces and bead strands to stool adornments—to the Asantehene in Kumasi (dawn.com). Director Ivor Agyemang Duah described it as a key moment in restoring Ghana’s heritage:<blockquote>“These are objects that connect the present to the past... the very essence of a civilisation.” (dawn.com)</blockquote>But it doesn’t end there. Reuters reported several of those items were originally looted in 1874—four during the sack of Kumasi, and three as indemnity items paid under duress (dawn.com).
Dr. Kwaku Darko Ankrah from the University of Ghana raised a vital point:<blockquote>“Looting was also one major trait of the Asantes at the height of their supremacy… they looted from other tribes…” (dawn.com). This shows the story of repatriation isn’t only about colonial wrongs—it’s also about addressing internal historical nuance and rightful ownership.
</blockquote>
== Previous Repatriation Efforts ==
Some European institutions have already taken steps to return looted objects and ancestral remains. For instance:
* In '''2019''', '''France''' pledged to return 26 looted royal artifacts to '''Benin''' following the publication of the '''Sarr-Savoy Report''', which recommended the restitution of African heritage held in French museums (Sarr & Savoy, 2018).
* In '''2022''', '''Germany''' returned a significant number of '''Benin Bronzes''' to Nigeria, acknowledging their colonial origins and the violent circumstances under which they were taken (DW, 2022).
* In '''2023''', the '''University of Aberdeen''' and '''Jesus College (University of Cambridge)''' returned Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, citing moral and ethical reasons (BBC News, 2023).
These precedents have emboldened Ghana and other African nations to push harder for the return of remains and artifacts housed in British and European institutions.
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== 4. Expanding the Conversation: Other UK Institutions in Dialogue ==
In mid-2024, various news outlets reported that the '''Pitt Rivers Museum''' (Oxford), '''Wallace Collection''', and '''Wellcome Trust''' were engaging in preliminary discussions with the Asante Palace about additional Asante treasures, including golden stool ornaments and trophy heads (en.wikipedia.org, telegraph.co.uk). Reports from ''The Telegraph'' cite Prince Oheneba Owusu Afriyie IV saying:<blockquote>“We are hoping… your laws back home might have changed … Things are evolving to eventually getting them back home.” (telegraph.co.uk)</blockquote>This growing momentum reinforces that while the legal frameworks are complex, the moral movement toward restitution is gaining unstoppable strength.
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== 5. Beyond Objects: The Spiritual Repatriation of Ancestors ==
So far, the spotlight has focused on gold and silver—but Ghana’s more profound demands involve '''ancestral remains''': human bones, skulls, and amulets taken during colonial-era expeditions and anthropological studies. These remain some of the most emotionally and culturally charged items in foreign museums, often kept in storage and labeled impersonally as scientific specimens.
Globally, ethical arguments for repatriation of '''human remains''' have picked up pace. Institutions like the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Cambridge have already returned remains to countries like Namibia—and Schloss Wakehoven in Germany to Indigenous Australians (en.wikipedia.org).
The UK’s '''APPG‑AR''' report (2025) argues for a ban on public display and sale of African human remains and urges establishing a restitution authority to handle claims . Ghana applauds the call as a stepping stone toward reclaiming ancestral dignity.
----
== 6. Why It Matters: Culture, Memory, and Spiritual Integrity ==
For many Ghanaians—especially the Asante—these stolen treasures and ancestral remains are not mere historical artifacts. They are '''spiritual anchors''', woven into rituals, royalty, and communal identity. In Ashanti cosmology, failing to return sacred objects or ancestral bones is believed to block restorative rites and weaken ancestral connections.
As Dr. Eyifa-Dzidzienyo of the University of Ghana explains:<blockquote>“African cultural heritage is a living heritage … when tangible materials… are taken away, we lose the value attached to them…” (en.wikipedia.org, akadimagazine.com).</blockquote>This idea resonates with UNESCO and ICOM’s ethos: that heritage isn’t static—it’s woven into daily life, memory, and spiritual continuity.
----
== 7. Legal and Institutional Barriers on Both Sides ==
Despite mounting calls, return remains legally intricate:
* The '''British Museum Act 1963''' and '''National Heritage Act 1983''' restrict national museums from deaccessioning items.
* Reform would require parliamentary action—something currently under debate but not guaranteed.
* Some institutions argue that returning these items weakens centralized collections that serve global audiences.
However, the tide seems to be turning as institutions like V&A’s Hunt admit:<blockquote>“We have a responsibility… to share those more fairly… It doesn’t seem… that all of our museums will fall down if we build up these partnerships.” (en.wikipedia.org, theguardian.com, theguardian.com, rfi.fr)</blockquote>
----
== 8. What Ghana Can—and Is—Doing ==
=== Diplomatic and Cultural Negotiations ===
* The Asantehene’s direct engagement with British royals and London museum directors.
* Sending delegations led by historians like '''Ivor Agyeman-Duah''' and Malcolm McLeod to advocate for restitution.
* Strengthening Ghanaian capacity: expanding the '''Manhyia Palace Museum''' to display restored items appropriately (telegraph.co.uk, telegraph.co.uk).
=== Engaging Public Opinion ===
* Invoking powerful analogies (“loaning your stolen Crown Jewels”) to rally nationalist sentiment (theguardian.com).
* Building momentum via academic and journalistic partnerships documenting Ghana's case to a global readership.
=== Tapping International Frameworks ===
* Invoking '''UNDRIP Article 12''', which affirms Indigenous peoples’ rights to repatriation of sacred objects and remains (en.wikipedia.org).
* Leveraging UNESCO and ICOM codes as leverage to pressure reluctant institutions.
----
== 9. Global Impact and the Path Ahead ==
Ghana’s successful campaign would likely ripple outward:
* Nigeria and Ethiopia already press for repatriation of Benin Bronzes and Magdala treasures.
* Europe—especially Germany, France, Belgium—is fast reshaping museum policies.
* Many U.S. institutions have returned African cultural items in recent years.
But Ghana is breaking new ground by anchoring its demands in spiritual and ancestral terms, rather than strictly artefactual ones.
----
== 10. Conclusion: Toward Cultural Justice and Historical Healing ==
Ghana’s fight for repatriation is more than a legal quest—it’s a moral one rooted in healing, identity, and ancestral respect. While loans represent progress, they aren’t enough. Genuine justice requires '''permanent restitution of cultural treasures and human remains''', under transparent agreements reflecting spiritual and historical truths.
By pressing forward through global diplomacy, public awareness, and moral clarity, Ghana isn’t just asking for what’s owed—it’s lighting a beacon for a new era of cultural equity. The paths forged by France, Germany, and the U.S. show peaceful reconciliation is possible. Now, the UK—and its venerable institutions like the British and V&A Museums—are being asked to step fully into this brighter, more just future.
----
== 📚 References ==
''(Selected works cited in APA 7th format)''
* '''News & Reports''' Associated Press / Reuters. (2024, Jan 25). ''A pair of UK museums return gold and silver artifacts to Ghana under a long‑term loan arrangement'' (apnews.com, en.wikipedia.org). The Guardian. (2024, Jan 26). ''Why Britain is returning plundered artefacts back to Ghana – sort of'' (theguardian.com). BBC News. (2024, Apr 11). ''Asante Gold: UK returns looted Ghana artefacts after 150 years'' (bbc.com). Reuters. (2024, Feb 10). ''US museum returns Ghana’s first batch of looted gold regalia'' (dawn.com). Al Jazeera. (2024, Apr 20). ''UK returns looted Ghana artefacts on loan after 150 years'' (aljazeera.com).
* '''Academic & Institutional''' Wikipedia. (2024). ''Role of museums in repatriating African ancestors'' (en.wikipedia.org). Wikipedia. (2024). ''Repatriation and reburial of human remains'' (en.wikipedia.org). Wikipedia. (2025). ''Repatriation (cultural property)'' (en.wikipedia.org).
----This version offers an in-depth, well-cited narrative that situates Ghana’s demands within historical, cultural, spiritual, and legal dimensions. It’s structured with compelling subtitles for a public speech, Wikipedia submission, or scholarly article. Let me know if you’d like help formatting it for print or presentation!
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Mepepaa beebi fii mu
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== Nyienyim ==
Ndaansa yi mu dze, wiadze nyina ayɛ kor reper dɛ wɔsan dze kusum ndzɛmba na hɔn a wowuwui wɔ nkowaatɔn ber mu no hɔn mu no bɔkɔ aman a wɔfae fii mu no bio. Aman a wodzi dɛm ahwehwɛdze yi mu adɔntsen nye ɔman Ghana a wɔrohwehwɛ dɛ hɔn nsa bɛka nananom hɔn mu nkaa na ndzɛmba a ɔsom hɔn bo ara yie a UKfo da ho wɔ no hɔn nkyɛn no nyina.<ref>https://www.honour.org.uk/value-of-human-remains-conference-museum-of-london/</ref> Dɛm ahwehwɛdze yi ka kwan a yɛbɛfa do etu tum a Aborɔfo wɔ no Ebibifo do na aman ahorow mu ayɛ kor ma abakɔsɛm mu atsɛnkyea a Europefo yɛɛ tsiaa Ebibifo no nyina woeetum esiesie.
----
== No Ho Abakɔsɛm ==
Ber a Britainfo ridzi Ebibifo hɔn do no, kusum amandze na amambra ho akadze pii, nyimpa binom hɔn mu, na kusum abakɔsɛm ho nkaedum ndzɛmba ahorow na wɔfaa nyansa kwan do dze kɔree. Wɔdze dɛm ndzɛmba yi kɔr Europe na wɔdze kɔr hɔn tsetse ndzɛmba korabea ahorow,esuapɔn mu, na ankorankor hɔn nsumaa mu ndzɛmba a hɔnankasa wɔboaboa ano kɛkyerɛe a, mpɛn pii no hɔn wɔfaa dɛm ndzɛmba yi fi hɔn hɔ no mpo nna wonnyim ho hwee. Dɛm su a wɔdaa no edzi no nnkyerɛ enyidzi dɛ mbrɛ ''Museum Ethics kyerɛ'' no.<ref>https://api.mountainscholar.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/7773bfb8-08ce-4c5c-923a-43c557baa1af/content</ref>
Ghana a na wɔfrɛ no Gold Coast wɔ Britania nniso mu no hweree amammerɛ kɛse denam atubrafo akwantu ahorow, nnipa ho adesua, ne asotwe ntua so. Sɛ nhwɛsoɔ no, Britania Asotweɛ Akwantuo a ɛkɔɔ so wɔ afe 1874 mu tiaa Asante Ahemman no maa wɔgyee sika kɔkɔɔ ntadeɛ, nyamesom nneɛma, ne nnipa afunu, a emu pii kowieeɛ wɔ asoɛeɛ te sɛ British Museum, Oxford University’s Pitt Rivers Museum, ne Cambridge University’s Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (Sarr & Savoy, 2018).
Ghana a nna wɔfrɛ no Gold Coast wɔ dzi a Britainfo bedzii hɔn do no mu no, wɔhweer ndzɛmba pii. No mu bi nye hɔn a wɔhyɛɛ hɔn dze hɔn kɔr nkurow a nna ommfi hɔn pɛ mu, hɔn a nhwehwɛmu a wɔrepɛ ayɛ ntsi wɔsesaaw ndzɛmba ahorow kɔree,nna nhyɛ a wɔdze too hɔn a wɔnye hɔn peer dɛm ndzɛmba yi ho no. ''British Punitive Expedition of 1874''<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punitive_expedition</ref> (Britainffo Asotwe Nhyɛ Ntui a ɔkɔr do wɔ afe 1874) mu no, ɔkoe tsiaa Esuantseman no ma wɔgyee nafadze a wɔdze sika kɔkɔɔ ayɛ , dza ɔyɛ kusum ndzɛmba ,na nyimpa mu ahorow , a no mu dodowara pii kowiee wɔ mbea bi tse dɛ Britainfo Hɔn Tsetse Ndzɛmba Korabea mu, Oxford Esuapɔn Pitt Esutsen Ne Tsetse Ndzɛmba Korabea mu na Cambridge Esuapɔn no Tsetse Ndzɛmba Korabea a Ɔfa Asaase mu na Nyimpa Ho Nhwehwɛmu ho mu.<ref>http://restitutionreport2018.com/</ref>
== '''Current Calls for Repatriation''' ==
In 2023 and 2024, Ghana renewed its call for the '''return of ancestral remains''' and sacred objects from the UK. These demands form part of a wider international push led by countries such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Kenya. Ghana’s focus is not only on '''tangible cultural property''' but also on the '''human remains''' of ancestors taken without consent and studied or displayed in academic contexts.
According to a report by the '''All-Party Parliamentary Group for Afrikan Reparations (APPG-AR)''' in the UK, the continued possession and display of African human remains—such as mummified bodies, skulls, and bones—are forms of ongoing colonial violence and spiritual desecration (Guardian, 2025). The group recommended new legislation that would prohibit public exhibition and the sale of human remains and called for a UK-wide restitution authority to oversee repatriation efforts (Reuters, 2025).
== 1. A Legacy of Loss: Colonial Plunder and Its Long Shadow ==
The story begins in the 19th century, when British colonial forces attacked and sacked the '''Asante capital of Kumasi'''—notably during the Third Anglo-Asante War (1873–1874). British troops seized vast Asante royal regalia: gold swords, ceremonial umbrellas, soul-washer badges, and even human remains taken for “scientific” or museum exhibition purposes. These invaluable items eventually ended up scattered among British institutions: the '''British Museum''', '''Victoria & Albert (V&A) Museum''', universities, and private collections.
Yet far more was lost than precious metals. These treasures encoded Ashanti beliefs, spiritual practices, and the very memory of their ancestors. Take the gold "soul washer" badges—the sacred emblems worn by ritual specialists charged with purifying the Asante king’s soul. Or the ceremonial swords used daily in kingly rituals. Their removal left a spiritual void that resonated far beyond Kumasi’s palace walls.
----
== 2. Modern-Day Reclaiming: The 2024 Loan of Asante Treasures ==
=== 🔄 A Return—But Only a Loan ===
In January 2024, something extraordinary happened: the '''British Museum''' and the '''V&A''' announced a '''three‑year, renewable loan''' of 32 Asante gold and silver items—17 from V&A and 15 from the British Museum—back to Ghana’s '''Manhyia Palace Museum''' in Kumasi (apnews.com, telegraph.co.uk).
Though the arrangement skirted full restitution due to the '''British Museum Act 1963''' and the '''National Heritage Act 1983''', it made history. Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A, commented:<blockquote>“One hundred and fifty years after the attack on Kumasi… the V&A is proud to be partnering… as part of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s silver jubilee celebrations.” (theguardian.com)</blockquote>And Ghana’s own cultural adviser, Nana Oforiatta Ayim, called the loan:<blockquote>“They’re not just objects… They have spiritual importance… part of the soul of the nation” (theguardian.com).</blockquote>Despite the praise, many Ghanaians criticized the move. Lorraine King, a UK-based broadcaster, wrote on X (Twitter):<blockquote>“A burglar raids your home … and then grudgingly Loan them back … well the UK will loan Ghana the crown jewels they stole…” (theguardian.com).</blockquote>
----
== 3. Real Returns: US Museums and Ghana’s Precious Regalia ==
Something even more impactful occurred in February 2024, though largely underreported internationally. The '''Fowler Museum at UCLA''' voluntarily '''permanently returned''' seven Asante royal items—ranging from necklaces and bead strands to stool adornments—to the Asantehene in Kumasi (dawn.com). Director Ivor Agyemang Duah described it as a key moment in restoring Ghana’s heritage:<blockquote>“These are objects that connect the present to the past... the very essence of a civilisation.” (dawn.com)</blockquote>But it doesn’t end there. Reuters reported several of those items were originally looted in 1874—four during the sack of Kumasi, and three as indemnity items paid under duress (dawn.com).
Dr. Kwaku Darko Ankrah from the University of Ghana raised a vital point:<blockquote>“Looting was also one major trait of the Asantes at the height of their supremacy… they looted from other tribes…” (dawn.com). This shows the story of repatriation isn’t only about colonial wrongs—it’s also about addressing internal historical nuance and rightful ownership.
</blockquote>
== Previous Repatriation Efforts ==
Some European institutions have already taken steps to return looted objects and ancestral remains. For instance:
* In '''2019''', '''France''' pledged to return 26 looted royal artifacts to '''Benin''' following the publication of the '''Sarr-Savoy Report''', which recommended the restitution of African heritage held in French museums (Sarr & Savoy, 2018).
* In '''2022''', '''Germany''' returned a significant number of '''Benin Bronzes''' to Nigeria, acknowledging their colonial origins and the violent circumstances under which they were taken (DW, 2022).
* In '''2023''', the '''University of Aberdeen''' and '''Jesus College (University of Cambridge)''' returned Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, citing moral and ethical reasons (BBC News, 2023).
These precedents have emboldened Ghana and other African nations to push harder for the return of remains and artifacts housed in British and European institutions.
----
== 4. Expanding the Conversation: Other UK Institutions in Dialogue ==
In mid-2024, various news outlets reported that the '''Pitt Rivers Museum''' (Oxford), '''Wallace Collection''', and '''Wellcome Trust''' were engaging in preliminary discussions with the Asante Palace about additional Asante treasures, including golden stool ornaments and trophy heads (en.wikipedia.org, telegraph.co.uk). Reports from ''The Telegraph'' cite Prince Oheneba Owusu Afriyie IV saying:<blockquote>“We are hoping… your laws back home might have changed … Things are evolving to eventually getting them back home.” (telegraph.co.uk)</blockquote>This growing momentum reinforces that while the legal frameworks are complex, the moral movement toward restitution is gaining unstoppable strength.
----
== 5. Beyond Objects: The Spiritual Repatriation of Ancestors ==
So far, the spotlight has focused on gold and silver—but Ghana’s more profound demands involve '''ancestral remains''': human bones, skulls, and amulets taken during colonial-era expeditions and anthropological studies. These remain some of the most emotionally and culturally charged items in foreign museums, often kept in storage and labeled impersonally as scientific specimens.
Globally, ethical arguments for repatriation of '''human remains''' have picked up pace. Institutions like the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Cambridge have already returned remains to countries like Namibia—and Schloss Wakehoven in Germany to Indigenous Australians (en.wikipedia.org).
The UK’s '''APPG‑AR''' report (2025) argues for a ban on public display and sale of African human remains and urges establishing a restitution authority to handle claims . Ghana applauds the call as a stepping stone toward reclaiming ancestral dignity.
----
== 6. Why It Matters: Culture, Memory, and Spiritual Integrity ==
For many Ghanaians—especially the Asante—these stolen treasures and ancestral remains are not mere historical artifacts. They are '''spiritual anchors''', woven into rituals, royalty, and communal identity. In Ashanti cosmology, failing to return sacred objects or ancestral bones is believed to block restorative rites and weaken ancestral connections.
As Dr. Eyifa-Dzidzienyo of the University of Ghana explains:<blockquote>“African cultural heritage is a living heritage … when tangible materials… are taken away, we lose the value attached to them…” (en.wikipedia.org, akadimagazine.com).</blockquote>This idea resonates with UNESCO and ICOM’s ethos: that heritage isn’t static—it’s woven into daily life, memory, and spiritual continuity.
----
== 7. Legal and Institutional Barriers on Both Sides ==
Despite mounting calls, return remains legally intricate:
* The '''British Museum Act 1963''' and '''National Heritage Act 1983''' restrict national museums from deaccessioning items.
* Reform would require parliamentary action—something currently under debate but not guaranteed.
* Some institutions argue that returning these items weakens centralized collections that serve global audiences.
However, the tide seems to be turning as institutions like V&A’s Hunt admit:<blockquote>“We have a responsibility… to share those more fairly… It doesn’t seem… that all of our museums will fall down if we build up these partnerships.” (en.wikipedia.org, theguardian.com, theguardian.com, rfi.fr)</blockquote>
----
== 8. What Ghana Can—and Is—Doing ==
=== Diplomatic and Cultural Negotiations ===
* The Asantehene’s direct engagement with British royals and London museum directors.
* Sending delegations led by historians like '''Ivor Agyeman-Duah''' and Malcolm McLeod to advocate for restitution.
* Strengthening Ghanaian capacity: expanding the '''Manhyia Palace Museum''' to display restored items appropriately (telegraph.co.uk, telegraph.co.uk).
=== Engaging Public Opinion ===
* Invoking powerful analogies (“loaning your stolen Crown Jewels”) to rally nationalist sentiment (theguardian.com).
* Building momentum via academic and journalistic partnerships documenting Ghana's case to a global readership.
=== Tapping International Frameworks ===
* Invoking '''UNDRIP Article 12''', which affirms Indigenous peoples’ rights to repatriation of sacred objects and remains (en.wikipedia.org).
* Leveraging UNESCO and ICOM codes as leverage to pressure reluctant institutions.
----
== 9. Global Impact and the Path Ahead ==
Ghana’s successful campaign would likely ripple outward:
* Nigeria and Ethiopia already press for repatriation of Benin Bronzes and Magdala treasures.
* Europe—especially Germany, France, Belgium—is fast reshaping museum policies.
* Many U.S. institutions have returned African cultural items in recent years.
But Ghana is breaking new ground by anchoring its demands in spiritual and ancestral terms, rather than strictly artefactual ones.
----
== 10. Conclusion: Toward Cultural Justice and Historical Healing ==
Ghana’s fight for repatriation is more than a legal quest—it’s a moral one rooted in healing, identity, and ancestral respect. While loans represent progress, they aren’t enough. Genuine justice requires '''permanent restitution of cultural treasures and human remains''', under transparent agreements reflecting spiritual and historical truths.
By pressing forward through global diplomacy, public awareness, and moral clarity, Ghana isn’t just asking for what’s owed—it’s lighting a beacon for a new era of cultural equity. The paths forged by France, Germany, and the U.S. show peaceful reconciliation is possible. Now, the UK—and its venerable institutions like the British and V&A Museums—are being asked to step fully into this brighter, more just future.
----
== 📚 References ==
''(Selected works cited in APA 7th format)''
* '''News & Reports''' Associated Press / Reuters. (2024, Jan 25). ''A pair of UK museums return gold and silver artifacts to Ghana under a long‑term loan arrangement'' (apnews.com, en.wikipedia.org). The Guardian. (2024, Jan 26). ''Why Britain is returning plundered artefacts back to Ghana – sort of'' (theguardian.com). BBC News. (2024, Apr 11). ''Asante Gold: UK returns looted Ghana artefacts after 150 years'' (bbc.com). Reuters. (2024, Feb 10). ''US museum returns Ghana’s first batch of looted gold regalia'' (dawn.com). Al Jazeera. (2024, Apr 20). ''UK returns looted Ghana artefacts on loan after 150 years'' (aljazeera.com).
* '''Academic & Institutional''' Wikipedia. (2024). ''Role of museums in repatriating African ancestors'' (en.wikipedia.org). Wikipedia. (2024). ''Repatriation and reburial of human remains'' (en.wikipedia.org). Wikipedia. (2025). ''Repatriation (cultural property)'' (en.wikipedia.org).
----
em2me6y63x3ddx467m882lm5rz6dy9i