Topic: 2025-Protecting Heritage Sites and Cultural Artifacts in Conflict Zones
Country: Ghana
Delegate Name: Priya Mahabir
Ghana’s artifacts and heritage sites are so important that they use all parts of their strong military to protect them from anyone trying to destroy or steal them. They use the army, air force, and military police to protect priceless artifacts. However, they have their cultural heritage spread out in Britain museums, London museums, and of course Ghana’s museums. Seven royal artifacts looted 150 years ago by British colonial forces from Ghana’s ancient Asante kingdom and kept by a United States museum have been returned. Ghana has targeted people who take or destroy their artifacts. However, they have never started a war over disrupted artifacts. Still, they have gone to the extent of advocating for the restoration of African cultural heritage through the permanent repatriation of looted artifacts. “Ghana’s cultural tapestry reflects the diversity and resilience of its people” (Nutsugah gbc ghana online).
The Restriction on Use of Military Uniforms and Equipment Act covered that they are not allowed to wear or use any military uniforms, equipment, or accouterments. Which states that they cannot wear camouflage clothing or anything resembling military dress in public. Even going down to the use of military-pattern uniforms by civilians; which, in Ghana is considered a violation of the law and can lead to legal consequences. Taking pictures of military personnel, vehicles, or strategic locations while on duty is also restricted in Ghana. If anyone in the military disobeys the law they can be subject to disciplinary action. However, military men in Ghana are still able to do the regular and necessary activities that keep their military strong.
The Hague Convention is a protection of cultural property in the event of armed conflict is an international treaty that protects cultural artifacts from destruction during armed conflict. It was the first international treaty to focus solely on cultural heritage protection. The significance of the damage to cultural property is damage to the cultural heritage of all humanity. The primary guidelines for protecting cultural property during armed conflict from any type of damage. They are trying to prevent all measures of destruction to their artifacts even if that means using violent conflicts to fend off others trying to hurt them. Preventing measures should include creative inventories, emergency plans, and educating the military on the importance of cultural heritage. The urgency of informing the military on cultural heritage can keep the communities identity alive. The destruction of cultural heritage is often used as a tactic of war to intimidate populations and destroy their link to the past. The destruction of cultural heritage can cause emotional and moral harm to a community. However, the domestic legislation should include the principles of the Hague Convention into its domestic law and establish legal mechanisms to enforce the protection of cultural property during conflict. The returning of the artifacts back to Ghana “signifies the return of our souls,” said Kwasi Ampene, a lecturer who helped negotiate their return.
