The British National Archives has presented an authentic copy of the historic Bond of 1844 to the Parliament of Ghana, marking a significant contribution to the preservation of the country’s colonial and constitutional history.

The document, widely regarded as a cornerstone in Ghana’s legal and political development, was formally handed over in Accra by Juliette Desplat, Head of International Affairs at the British National Archives, and Keith McMahon, Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission.

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin received the document on behalf of the institution.

Mr. Bagbin expressed appreciation to the British government for the gesture, describing it as a historic moment for Parliament and the people of Ghana. He noted that the Bond of 1844 captures a pivotal period in Ghana’s historical and developmental trajectory.

He also indicated that Parliament, as part of its efforts to preserve national heritage, had established a museum within Parliament House. The copy of the Bond, he said, will be displayed there to support public education and historical reference.

The Bond of 1844 was a treaty signed between the British colonial administration and several Fante chiefs, which allowed British jurisdiction over their territories and protected trade routes.

It later paved the way for the establishment of formal British colonial rule in the southern part of the then Gold Coast.