The governments of the Netherlands and Germany plan to repatriate roughly 2,000 artefacts and objects of cultural importance that were taken from Ghana, as part of ongoing global restitution drives.
The disclosure came at the Next Steps Conference, where envoys from both nations handed a register of items slated for return to President John Dramani Mahama during the main session.
The Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, verified the news in a Facebook update on Saturday, June 20, calling it a significant move toward redressing the colonial-era removal of African heritage.
He said the decision shows rising international readiness to take part in restitution efforts, after persistent diplomatic outreach and recent worldwide talks on cultural property.
Mr. Ablakwa also stated that Denmark’s Foreign Minister apologised for that country’s participation in the transatlantic slave trade and committed to help maintain forts erected during the period.
He noted the pledge was part of wider measures aimed at advancing historical accuracy, recognising previous wrongs and preventing their recurrence.
The Foreign Affairs Minister added that Ghana embraces the move, viewing it as evidence of deepening collaboration with global partners following the passage of a Ghana-sponsored United Nations resolution on cultural restitution.
