Ghana's President Mahama urges global support for reparations to restore African dignity

Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has called for reparations over slavery and colonisation, urging global recognition of Africa’s historical injustices and dignity.

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama on Monday issued a strong appeal for reparations from nations involved in the trans-Atlantic slave trade and the colonisation of Africa, describing the demand as vital to restoring the continent’s full human dignity.

Speaking in his capacity as the African Union’s champion for reparatory justice for Africans and people of African descent, Mahama delivered his call during a progress report presented at the African Union’s (AU) seventh Mid-Year Coordination Meeting held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

"Africa's demand for reparative justice is no longer a mere murmur. It is a unified demand grounded in historical truth, moral clarity, and our unwavering commitment to dignity," Mahama stated in remarks shared via his official social media channels.

He emphasised the importance of global solidarity, urging the international community to support Africa’s campaign for a just and equitable world. Mahama also underscored the deep connection between reparations and African identity, arguing that genuine development cannot be separated from the continent’s historical context.

"We cannot speak of development without identity or speak of unity without acknowledging the era that has fractured our heritage," he said, calling for a unified African voice backed by strong international partnerships.

The AU has been pushing for a coordinated continental approach to reparatory justice, aiming to address the lasting impacts of slavery, exploitation, and colonial rule on African societies and the diaspora. Mahama’s renewed call places the issue firmly on the global agenda, highlighting Africa’s resolve to seek redress and restore dignity through recognition and restitution.

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