President John Mahama has called for reparative justice to address the long-standing impact of slavery, colonialism, and neo-colonial exploitation on Africa and its diaspora.
In a message marking Africa Day 2025, President Mahama said centuries of oppression and economic injustice have left deep-rooted scars across the continent, with consequences still felt today.
“For generations, the legacy of slavery and colonial domination has held back progress for Africans and people of African descent,” he said. “Reparations go beyond financial compensation, they are about recognition, redress, and restoring dignity.”
President Mahama reiterated his commitment to leading efforts towards global accountability. He urged African governments, regional bodies, and diaspora communities to unite in pursuit of this shared goal.
He also stressed the need for a comprehensive justice framework that includes formal apologies from former colonial powers and institutions that benefited from Africa’s exploitation.
“We seek genuine justice, one that includes clear and official apologies from the states and entities responsible for centuries of harm,” Mahama said. “It is time to face the uncomfortable truths of history and take meaningful steps toward correcting them.”
The president’s message comes amid growing calls across the continent and beyond for reparations to address the enduring effects of historical injustices and systemic inequality.
