Mahama calls for global action on reparations, says recognition of slavery must lead to justice

President John Dramani Mahama has called for stronger international cooperation in the pursuit of reparatory justice, insisting that acknowledging the historical injustices of slavery must be followed by concrete action to address its lasting impact.

Speaking at the opening of the Next Steps Conference on Reparatory Justice in Accra on Thursday, June 18, the President said the recent United Nations resolution on slavery and its enduring legacy should be viewed as the beginning of a broader global effort rather than the conclusion of the conversation.

“The adoption of the resolution was never intended to mark the end of the journey,” President Mahama stated. “It was intended to provide the foundation for a more meaningful process of engagement, reflection and action.”

He emphasized that the campaign for historical justice would be strengthened through wider international participation, urging governments, institutions and stakeholders from different backgrounds to contribute to ongoing discussions on reparations.

According to him, meaningful progress can only be achieved when countries with varying historical, political and legal perspectives choose dialogue and cooperation over division.

“The pursuit of historical justice is not strengthened by narrowing the circle of participation. It is strengthened by expanding it,” he said.

President Mahama stressed that recognition of the injustices of slavery carries a moral responsibility to confront and address their enduring consequences.

“We are here because recognition creates responsibility, and because the enduring consequences of this history continue to demand thoughtful, coordinated and sustained international engagement,” he noted.

Highlighting Ghana’s unique role in the global reparations movement, the President referenced the country’s slave routes, castles and dungeons, describing them as enduring symbols of the transatlantic slave trade and reminders of the millions of Africans who were forcibly displaced.

He observed that descendants of enslaved Africans continue to return to Ghana from across the diaspora, reinforcing the global significance of the reparations debate and the need to preserve historical memory.

President Mahama also called attention to the experiences of enslaved women and girls, arguing that their suffering has often been overlooked in historical narratives and should occupy a central place in discussions on reparatory justice.

“Their suffering was often concealed from the official record, leaving them victims not only of exploitation but also of historical erasure,” he said.

The Next Steps Conference on Reparatory Justice has brought together political leaders, academics, civil society organisations and members of the African diaspora to explore practical pathways for advancing reparations and addressing the long-term effects of slavery and colonialism.

Yaw Opoku Amoako

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