Kow Essuman, Legal Counsel to President Nana Akufo-Addo has questioned the logic of the UK's decision to return historically looted artefacts from the Ashanti Kingdom on a temporary loan basis.
Mr. Essuman described it as illogical for something that was looted not to be returned with appropriate overdue compensation.
Kow Essuman said via X on Thursday, "Can you explain how something that was looted can be returned on a 3-year loan? It seems illogical. If it has been established that the item was looted, then it should be returned with appropriate overdue compensation for the loss of use, among other things."
His reaction comes after the United Kingdom handed over 32 royal objects to the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in Kumasi this week.
The gold and silver regalia were taken from the Ashanti royal palace during the 19th century Anglo-Ashanti wars and have been held by the British Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum for over 150 years.
However, their return is only on an initial three-year loan deal renewable for another three years, rather than being permanently returned.
Legal restrictions in the UK have reportedly made a permanent handover impossible for now.
Kow Essuman's comments reflect concerns in Ghana that the temporary nature of the loan deal fails to adequately address the wrongs of the past.
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