Participants at a capacity-building training for lawyers have urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to accelerate the establishment of a system for a regional list of cultural heritage.

They also called on ECOWAS to encourage member states to implement the regional action plan for the Restitution of Cultural Property.

The training, organized by ECOWAS' Department of Human Development and Social Affairs, focused on the procedures for the restitution of cultural property and the review of the ECOWAS Action Plan 2019-2023.

Held from July 10 to July 15, 2023, in Accra, the training aimed to enhance the capacity of lawyers involved in restitution issues and establish a database of expertise in the field of Cultural Property Restitution.

Mrs. Sunday Emiem Nseno, Chairperson of the Expert Committee on Restitution of Stolen Goods from Africa, presented the training recommendations, emphasizing the need for annual capacity building for heritage lawyers to create a pool of legal expertise in the region.

She also highlighted the importance of clarifying and strengthening the role of the Regional Committee in monitoring the action plan.

Mrs. Nseno called for the establishment of a digital platform to pool resources and foster dialogue with stakeholders to encourage the return of cultural property.

She further urged member states to update legislation and regulations related to heritage protection, engage in consultation to harmonize positions on restitution and sensitize communities on the importance of cultural property restitution.

Mr. Mark Okraku-Mantey, the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, commended ECOWAS for organizing the training program and expressed hope that the reviewed Action Plan would be effectively implemented.

He acknowledged the challenges in the restitution process, including taking inventory of stolen items and ratifying relevant conventions. However, he affirmed the government's commitment to supporting restitution efforts and establishing strong legal frameworks.

The participants emphasized the significance of constructive conversations to pave the way for the return of stolen treasures and the restoration of cultural heritage.

They recognized the need for collective efforts, international collaborations, and advocacy to achieve justice and healing for the sub-region.

As ECOWAS continues its work towards cultural property restitution, the recommendations from the training serve as valuable insights to guide the establishment of effective mechanisms and legal frameworks, ultimately facilitating the return of Africa's stolen treasures.