Objectives:
The Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB) serves as the legal custodian of Ghana’s material cultural heritage, safeguarding the nation’s invaluable legacy of history, art, and architecture. Established in March 1957 as a result of the merger of the interim Council of the National Museum of the Gold Coast and the Monuments and Relics Commission. GMMB is entrusted with preserving both movable and immovable cultural assets, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the historic Forts and Castles, Asante Traditional Buildings, and significant archaeological discoveries.
Restitution measures:
GMMB’s functions include controlling the export, import, sale and change of ownerships of material cultural property through licensing and issuance of permits; establishing a National Register and keeping inventory of all material cultural heritage. These support restitution infrastructure but aren’t explicitly restitution measures.
Limitations:
While GMMB serves as the domestic receiving institution, it lacks direct authority to negotiate international restitution agreements or compel returns from foreign institutions. Its effectiveness in restitution depends on government diplomatic initiatives and international cooperation beyond its institutional control. The Board’s focus on preservation and management may limit its capacity for active pursuit of restitution claims, requiring coordination with other government bodies and international partners for successful heritage recovery efforts.
