Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has welcomed British Prime Minister's remarks on the transatlantic slave trade, describing them as an important development in efforts to address historical injustices. Mahama, who serves as the African Union Champion on Reparations, said the UK's acknowledgement represented a shift towards confronting its historical role in the slave trade. This development follows the adoption of a Ghana-led United Nations resolution recognising the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity.
Mahama noted that the UK's decision to abstain during the vote on the UN resolution was an important context for the latest development. He said acknowledgement and an apology could not reverse the suffering endured by millions of Africans but would help create conditions for healing and addressing the consequences of slavery. Ghana has a particular connection to the issue, being home to a large number of slave castles and forts, including those at Cape Coast, Elmina and Christiansborg.
The Ghanaian president outlined five priority areas for proposed discussions on reparatory justice, including a formal apology, coordinated international action to dismantle systemic racism and Afrophobia, and targeted investment in education and youth empowerment. Other areas include restitution of stolen cultural heritage and development partnerships to address structural poverty and unequal global economic systems. Mahama called for good-faith dialogue involving the African Union, the Caribbean Community, and countries that participated in the slave trade.
Mahama also called for solidarity among African Union member states, CARICOM countries, and people of African descent in the Americas. He acknowledged that participating countries may have differing positions on reparations but said such differences should not undermine the shared objective of addressing historical injustices. Existing frameworks, including the Accra Next Steps Commitments and CARICOM's Ten Point Plan, provide a basis for the negotiations.
The Ghanaian government commended British Prime Minister and UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband for their leadership in recognising historical injustices. Mahama said Ghana was prepared to work with the African Union, CARICOM, other international partners, and the United Kingdom towards justice, reconciliation, and a future free from racism and discrimination.
Mahama's statement was released by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister of Government Communications. The statement reflects the Ghanaian government's commitment to addressing the historical injustices of slavery and colonialism. It also highlights the need for international cooperation and dialogue to achieve reparatory justice.
The call for a formal apology and reparations has been a long-standing issue for many African countries and the diaspora. Ghana's efforts to address this issue have been recognised by the African Union and other international partners. The outcome of the proposed negotiations remains to be seen, but the issue is likely to continue to be a major topic of discussion in international circles.
Key points
- Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has called for structured negotiations on reparatory justice following British Prime Minister's acknowledgement of the atrocities committed during the transatlantic slave trade.
- The proposed discussions will focus on five priority areas, including a formal apology, coordinated international action to dismantle systemic racism, and targeted investment in education and youth empowerment.
- Mahama called for solidarity among African Union member states, CARICOM countries, and people of African descent in the Americas to address historical injustices.
