By George K. Momo
MONROVIA, Sept. 30 (LINA) – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has proposed a new Liberia-Ghana Cultural Heritage and Historical Recovery Cooperation Framework, calling on both nations to move their shared commitment to history from declarations to practical, joint action.
The Liberian leader made the proposal on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, in the United States of America (USA), at a high-level side event co-hosted by Ghana, Germany and France on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
According to President Boakai, while Liberia and Ghana share deep historical roots, cultural ties and a common Pan-African heritage, there is a need to institutionalize that relationship through a structured cooperation framework that delivers tangible results.
The Liberian leader wants the two countries to turn their shared commitment to preserving history into practical work.
Under the proposed framework, cultural institutions, museums, archives, universities and heritage agencies from Liberia and Ghana will collaborate in several key areas including; digitization of historical records and archival materials, joint historical research and academic exchange, preservation and rehabilitation of historical sites and monuments, development of joint exhibitions, educational programs and public awareness activities among others.
“Together and with better understanding, we can move on and achieve more for the benefit of both nations” he stated.
President Boakai added that the partnership will also support joint efforts to identify cultural materials and artifacts of African origin currently held outside the continent and explore diplomatic and legal pathways for their possible return.
He noted that Ghana’s experience in heritage management, museum development and cultural diplomacy would be valuable as Liberia advances its plan for the establishment of a Peace, Reconciliation and Memorial Museum.
“We are preparing to partner and tap into your experience and develop ours for the benefit of us all, giving our long-standing historical records,” he stressed,
He referenced Liberia’s intention to preserve historic sites such as Providence Island, where freed slaves first landed and other landmarks that embody the nation’s unique history as Africa’s first independent republic.
The proposal builds on Liberia’s growing engagement in the global conversation on reparatory justice, including President Boakai’s participation in the Accra Conference on Reparatory Justice in June 2026 and his subsequent appointment to the Global Advisory Panel on Reparatory Justice.
The side event, co-hosted by Ghana, Germany and France, focused on strengthening international cooperation on cultural restitution, historical memory and reparatory justice themes that have gained momentum at this year’s UNGA.
If endorsed, the Liberia-Ghana framework is expected to serve as a model for South-South cultural cooperation and contribute to broader continental efforts to reclaim, preserve and promote Africa’s historical and cultural heritage.