By Ohemeng Tawiah

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II says he has brought the spirit and soul of Asante back after he received at the Manhyia Palace some artefacts that were looted from Kumasi 150 years ago.

Seven golden artefacts, looted from Kumasi in 1874, found their way to the Fowler Museum in California, United States.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II secured the artefacts after several failed attempts by his predecessors, including Otumfuo Agyemang Prempeh II.

A durbar of chiefs was organised at the Manhyia Palace to unveil the artefacts and also celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Sagrenti War which took place in 1874.

It is in commemoration of the 25 years of the ascendency of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II onto the Golden Stool.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene

Professor Kwasi Ampene of the Department of Music at Tufts University in Massachusetts, United States, facilitated the return of the artefacts.

He told Joy News in an exclusive interview that the Asantehene was happy about the return of the artefacts made of pure gold.

“When we came here, Otumfuo … said that he had been able to return our (Asantes) soul to its original place, “ he said.

According to Professor Ampene, a member of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, who has written and researched extensively on Asante culture and tradition, the items have spiritual relevance to the Asante Kingdom.

“The items are still items that have spiritual relevance to us. They are still active; they will be activated and used,” he added.

They include asipim chairs made of silver, sika amena, necklaces, armbands and anklets – all made of pure gold.

They were returned from the Fowler Museum at the University of California, United States.

Another set of artefacts is expected from the British Museum in April this year, and they will be unveiled on May 12, 2024 during the Akwasidae Festival celebrations.

Professor Ampene commended the Asantehene for initiating the return of the artefacts.

“We have to recognise Opemsuo Osei Tutu Ababio for his efforts in this because he was the one who empowered me to facilitate it. I didn’t just do it on my own but because he has initiated the whole process of trying to get it back,” he disclosed.

A technical advisor, Ivor Agyemang Duah, told Joy News that the objects could be accessed by the general public at the Manhyia Palace Museum once the museum had undergone rehabilitation.