Malabo – Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama, also serving as the African Union Champion for Reparations, declared that Africa’s call for reparative justice has transformed into a unified and unwavering demand. Speaking at the 7th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union in Malabo, President Mahama delivered a progress report on the AU’s 2025 Theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”
“Africa’s call for reparative justice is no longer a whisper—it is a unified demand grounded in historical truth, moral clarity and our unwavering commitment to dignity,” President Mahama stated. He added that as the 2025 theme is implemented, there is a shared resolve to correct historical wrongs and injustices through restitution, healing, and holistic systemic transformation.
He noted significant progress by the AU Commission and Member States in implementing the theme and expressed satisfaction with the Executive Council’s decision to extend the focus on reparations for a decade, from 2026 to 2036. This extension, he stated, provides an opportunity to sustain momentum, mobilize resources, and champion domestic implementation.
Calling for global partnership, President Mahama urged all nations, within and beyond Africa, to collaborate in shaping a more just and equitable world for people of African descent. He highlighted the deep connection between reparations and African identity and dignity, stating, “Restitution to the African, therefore, is restoration of our full human dignity.”
He further argued that the movement aims to “speak of history on African terms, of healing deep civilisational wounds and of restoring to African peoples our rightful agency in shaping our past, present and future.”
Underscoring the necessity of reparations for African progress and unity, President Mahama asserted, “We cannot speak of development without identity or speak of unity without acknowledging the erasure that has fractured our heritage.” He stressed the importance of a unified African narrative on the global stage and encouraged robust partnerships, particularly with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Looking ahead, President Mahama announced that Ghana and Togo will co-sponsor a high-level event during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2025. This event aims to bolster efforts in achieving the justice and closure that has eluded Africa for centuries.
He concluded by assuring the Union of Ghana’s continued support for this agenda towards “The Africa We Want,” affirming, “As we do more to correct historical wrongs, we are reasserting our full humanity. We are reaffirming our sovereignty. We are reigniting the flame of dignity that has always burned within the African soul.”
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
