Ghana's Royal Family Crown Jewels Stolen from a Hotel

 

Precious Crown jewels belonging to Ghana's Royal family have been stolen from the lobby of the expensive Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel in Norway. King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and his delegation were staying at the hotel to represent Ghana at a business conference. Ashanti kings are often heavily adorned in ornate golden jewelry when they make public appearances.


The gold jewelry are usually used by the king when he performs ceremonial duties and has been in the Ashanti family for generations was in a briefcase when someone snatched it from the hotel lobby.
The king is representing Ghana at a conference in the Norwegian capital.

An investigation into the theft of some of the traditional Ghanaian Ashanti jewels have been launched. Police are now using images from surveillance cameras to try and catch those responsible for the theft.

The king's secretary Kofi Owusu Boateng was quoted as saying: 'Anyone carrying something of great personal value will understand what a great loss it is when it is stolen.'
He said the crown jewels have tremendous value but was unable to put a price on them.

However, he later said it was 'not such a big deal' and that only some rings and headgear were taken.

Historians say the jewels are meant to symbolize the power and prestige of the Ashanti people, and many of the jewels hold symbolic spiritual meaning.