Burma’s Crown Jewels Stolen From Norway Hotel

Police in Norway are investigating a theft of some of Ghana‘s crown jewels from a hotel in Oslo, Norway. The jewels were taken from King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the ruler of Ghanian Ashanti.

The jewels were traveling with the king on his journey to represent Ghana at a conference in the Norwegian capital, reports the BBC.

A suitcase containing the priceless treasure was snatched from the lobby of Oslo’s Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, allowing thieves to get away with jewels that had been amassed over several generations. They have been considered to be priceless and are used by the king when he performs ceremonial duties.

Police have told the Norwegian media that they have “good” surveillance pictures and are now working to identify suspects in their footage. The king’s secretary, Kofi Owusu Boateng, stated:

“Anyone carrying something of great personal value will understand what a great loss it is when it is stolen. And for anyone who knows our tradition it will be clear that these crown jewels have tremendous value.”

The Daily Mail notes that Boateng later stated that the theft was “not such a big deal,” and that only some rings and headgear were taken from Ghana. King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II ascended to the throne in 1999 as the 16th ruler of the Ashanti (he is also called the Asantehene). While he is the face of the country, the king is not permitted to take part in Ghanaian politics, per the constitution.

Ashanti kings have pride in their jewels =, making the theft personal for King Tutu II.