By Kwame Okyere Darko Bekoe
Kumasi, Ghana – February 8, 2024: The impending return of looted Asante artefacts from the British Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum marks a significant step in addressing colonial injustices. However, recent insights presented by Professor Tom McCaskie, Head of the Centre of West African Studies at Birmingham University, highlight the broader scope of losses incurred during the 1874 Sagrenti War. Beyond gold artefacts, the Asante People demands the acknowledgement and potential restitution of stolen gold dust, representing a crucial chapter in their history and with far-reaching implications for the global African diaspora.
Lost Treasures, Untold Stories: Professor McCaskie reveals the vast wealth accumulated by Asantehene Kofi Karikari’s predecessor, Nana Kwaku Dua I, including over 400,000 ounces of gold dust valued at 1.2 million pounds in 1867 (over £2 billion today). This treasure, meticulously stored across Kumasi, Aburaso, and Breman, vanished amidst the war’s devastation. Notably, this “private loot” finds no mention in historical narratives, underscoring the hidden costs of colonial plunder.
Beyond Artifacts, A Call for Restoration: While the current negotiations primarily focus on artefact repatriation, Professor McCaskie urges the Asante People to push for the recognition and potential restitution of the stolen gold dust. This demand resonates beyond Asante borders, holding significance for the global African diaspora. The plundered wealth stemmed from the labor and resources of Asante people, whose descendants, including African Americans, continue to grapple with the legacies of colonialism.
A Legacy of Spoliation, A Quest for Justice: The Asante people’s fight for reparation transcends the physical artefacts. It represents a reclamation of their history, a challenge to historical narratives that have downplayed the extent of colonial plunder, and a step towards achieving justice for generations impacted by the war’s legacy.
A Glimmer of Hope, A Call for Action: The upcoming return of artefacts from the British museums offers a glimmer of hope. However, the fight for broader restitution continues. The GDAAR Foundation, committed to the advancement and empowerment of the Asante people and the global African diaspora, stands in solidarity with this pursuit. We encourage the Asante people, supported by the global community, to continue demanding a comprehensive and just resolution that acknowledges the full scope of losses suffered during the Sagrenti War.
Together, let us rewrite the narrative, ensuring that the voices of the Asante people and the diaspora are heard, and the true cost of colonial plunder is acknowledged and addressed.