The Governments of the Netherlands and Germany have announced plans to return approximately 2,000 looted artefacts and culturally significant items to Ghana, marking a major milestone in ongoing international efforts to restore African heritage removed during the colonial era.

The announcement was made at the Next Steps Conference, where ambassadors of both countries formally presented a catalogue of the artefacts earmarked for repatriation to President John Dramani Mahama during a plenary session.

Confirming the development in a Facebook post on Saturday, June 20, 2026, Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa described the move as a significant step towards addressing historical injustices associated with the removal of Africa’s cultural treasures.

According to the Minister, the commitment by the Netherlands and Germany reflects a growing international consensus on the importance of cultural restitution, following years of diplomatic engagement and increasing global discussions on the return of artefacts acquired during the colonial period.

Ablakwa also revealed that Denmark’s Foreign Minister used the occasion to apologise for the country’s involvement in the transatlantic enslavement system. The Danish government further pledged support for the preservation of historic castles and forts built during that era, many of which remain important symbols of Ghana’s history.

He noted that the apology and preservation commitment form part of broader efforts aimed at promoting historical truth, acknowledging past wrongs, and preventing similar injustices in the future.

Ghana artefacts Europe — Dutch Ambassador H.E. Jeroen Verheul presenting a catalogue of the artefacts to President John Dramani Mahama

The Foreign Affairs Minister said Ghana views these developments as encouraging signs of stronger cooperation from international partners, particularly following the adoption of a Ghana-led United Nations resolution on cultural restitution.

“We applaud the positive conduct of restitution we are beginning to witness from our international partners in Europe since the adoption of the historic Ghana-led UN Resolution,” the Minister added.

The planned return of the artefacts is expected to strengthen Ghana’s cultural preservation efforts while contributing to the global movement for historical justice and the recovery of Africa’s stolen heritage.