Ghana's Asante Artifacts: A Symbol of Restitution and the Unresolved Question of Reparations

In a poignant ceremony held in Kumasi, Ghana, the long-awaited homecoming of seven royal artifacts looted by British colonial forces 150 years ago marked a significant milestone in addressing historical injustices. As the global community grapples with the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, this act of restitution serves as a powerful reminder of the unresolved question of reparations. A Legacy of OppressionThe transatlantic slave trade, which spanned over 400 years, resulted in the forced migration and enslavement of millions of Africans. Britain’s role in this dark chapter of history is undeniable – the nation’s ships transported more than 3 million enslaved individuals across the Atlantic. The abolition of slavery in 1833, however, did not bring an end to the suffering of those affected.A staggering £20 million was paid to British plantation owners as compensation for the loss of their ‘property’ – the enslaved Africans who had been emancipated. This amount, equivalent to approximately £1 billion today, was funded through government loans, which the British taxpayers only finished repaying in 2015. The descendants of the enslaved Africans, whose unpaid labor built the wealth of the British Empire, received no such compensation.AdvertismentA Call for JusticeThe injustice of this historical payment continues...