{
  "id": 9538975,
  "title": "Mahama calls for permanent global system to secure restitution of Africa’s cultural heritage",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/mahama-calls-for-permanent-global-system-to-secure-restitution-of",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-24T10:45:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/mahama-calls-for-permanent-global-system-to-secure-restitution-of-africas-cultural-heritage/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "President John Dramani Mahama has called for the creation of a permanent global system to facilitate the return of Africa's cultural heritage and human remains. He urged the United Nations and holding nations to establish clear legal and diplomatic mechanisms to streamline provenance research, increase transparency, and reduce legal barriers to restitution. The call for action came during a high-level side event on reparatory justice at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Mahama emphasised that restitution is not merely about returning objects, but about restoring dignity, justice, and the legacy of African communities. He cited historical examples of looting, such as the destruction of Kumasi in 1874 and the decapitation of King Badu Bonsu II in 1838. He also highlighted that Africa is actively building infrastructure for the future, such as the Great African Museum and the African Union-EU Museum Partnership. Mahama urged multilateral development banks and international institutions to invest in Africa's cultural infrastructure to create a lasting engine of development and education.",
  "summary": "President John Dramani Mahama has said our next step is to build permanent global system for restitution. He has also called for unconditional return of all human remains, saying human remains are not collectibles.",
  "key_points": [
    "President Mahama calls for permanent global system for Africa's cultural heritage restitution.",
    "Urges UN and nations to establish legal mechanisms for provenance research and transparency.",
    "Highlights historical looting examples and Africa's cultural infrastructure development."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Capital FM Kenya",
        "title": "Kenyan pupil who learned Chinese on YouTube becomes Africa Champion in global contest",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/kenyan-pupil-who-learned-chinese-on-youtube-becomes-africa-champion",
        "published": "2026-09-24T10:04:32.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "People Daily Kenya",
        "title": "What Ruto’s renewed push for permanent African seat at UN Security Council means for Africa",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/what-rutos-renewed-push-for-permanent-african-seat-at-un-security",
        "published": "2026-09-24T13:40:14.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}