President John Dramani Mahama has called for a more inclusive and coordinated global approach to reparatory justice, stressing that recognition of historical injustices must translate into sustained international action.
Speaking at the opening of the Next Steps Conference on Reparatory Justice in Accra on Thursday, June 18, 2026, the President said the adoption of a recent United Nations resolution on slavery and its legacy should mark the beginning of a broader process, not its conclusion.
“The adoption of the resolution was never intended to mark the end of the journey,” he stated. “It was intended to provide the foundation for a more meaningful process of engagement, reflection, and action.”
President Mahama emphasised that efforts toward reparatory justice would only be effective if participation is expanded beyond a limited group of actors to include more nations and institutions.
“The pursuit of historical justice is not strengthened by narrowing the circle of participation. It is strengthened by expanding it,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to embrace dialogue, openness, and humility in addressing the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, noting that differences in historical, political, and legal perspectives should not hinder cooperation.
“It is strengthened when those who may approach these issues from different perspectives nevertheless choose dialogue over silence and engagement over distance,” he added.
The President noted that acknowledging historical injustice comes with a shared responsibility for action, stressing that the enduring consequences of slavery continue to require thoughtful and coordinated international engagement.
“We are here because recognition creates responsibility, and because the enduring consequences of this history continue to demand sustained international engagement,” he said.
Highlighting Ghana’s historical role, President Mahama pointed to former slave routes, forts, and castles as enduring evidence of the transatlantic slave trade and its global impact. He noted that these sites connect Africa to the Americas and other regions shaped by the forced movement of enslaved Africans.
He also drew attention to the often-overlooked experiences of enslaved women and girls, saying their suffering has frequently been excluded from historical narratives and must be properly acknowledged in ongoing reparatory justice discussions.
“Their suffering was often concealed from the official record, leaving them victims not only of exploitation but also of historical erasure,” he said.
The conference has brought together heads of state, policymakers, academics, and representatives of the African diaspora to deliberate on practical steps toward advancing reparations and addressing the long-term legacy of slavery.
