Capacity constraints must never be a barrier to restitution – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has refuted claims that African nations should prioritize constructing modern museums and conservation centers before repatriating cultural artifacts acquired during colonial times. The President maintains that concerns over Africa's ability to safeguard returned heritage should not serve as justification for retaining African cultural property in foreign institutions.

Speaking at a high-level side event during the United Nations General Assembly on September 24, Mahama emphasized that capacity constraints should never be used to justify continued ownership. Instead, he argued that capacity should be seen as a pathway to restitution, not an obstacle. Mahama stated that African countries are actively developing institutions and infrastructure to receive, preserve, and study returned cultural treasures.

He cited the African Union's plans for the Great African Museum, the AU-EU Museum Partnership, and Ghana's initiatives to enhance national and traditional institutions as proof of the continent's dedication to heritage preservation. Mahama urged international partners to assist African nations by providing technology, conservation expertise, digitization, and professional training, rather than allowing capacity limitations to hinder restitution efforts.