Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama has been urged to mobilise fellow African leaders behind a renewed campaign demanding reparations for the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism, following high-level talks with an international delegation of advocates.
The delegation—comprising scholars, policy experts and activists from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America and the United States—met President Mahama this week to press for stronger political backing of the African Union’s reparations agenda. In a statement issued on Friday, the group said it had presented the president with a set of priority actions aimed at advancing the continental initiative.
African Union Framework
In February, the African Union (AU) formally launched efforts to develop a “unified African vision” on reparations, covering a broad range of measures. These include:
• Financial compensation
• Official acknowledgements and apologies
• Institutional and policy reforms
• Educational and cultural redress
Supporters argue that reparations are necessary to address the enduring effects of slavery and colonial rule, including structural inequality and systemic racism.
Historians estimate that at least 12.5 million Africans were abducted and transported across the Atlantic by European traders between the 15th and 19th centuries.
Call for Continental Unity
While Ghana has long positioned itself as a leading voice on the reparations debate, the delegation stressed that progress depends on greater coordination and unity among African governments.
They appealed to President Mahama to persuade his peers to “choose courage over comfort” by openly supporting civil society groups and African diaspora communities pushing for accountability and redress.
Wider Diplomatic Engagements
As part of their visit, the delegation also held discussions with:
• Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
• Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Ghana’s special envoy on reparations
The talks come amid growing international debate on the issue. At a European Union–African Union summit in Luanda, Angola, last month, leaders from both blocs acknowledged the “untold suffering” caused by slavery and colonialism. However, they stopped short of making any commitments toward reparations.
Ghana’s Ongoing Advocacy
During that summit, Ghana’s Vice President Jane Opoku-Agyemang urged EU member states to support a United Nations resolution being prepared by Ghana, which seeks to formally recognise slavery as one of the gravest crimes against humanity.
Resistance and Backlash
Despite increasing momentum, the reparations movement continues to face resistance, particularly in Europe. Several leaders have opposed formal discussions, arguing that present-day governments and institutions should not be held responsible for historical injustices.
Advocates counter that reparations are not solely about the past, but about confronting and correcting the lasting social, economic and racial consequences that persist today.
As pressure mounts, Ghana’s leadership is increasingly seen as central to shaping whether Africa can present a united front on one of its most consequential historical demands.
Source: Africa Publicity
