By Rebecca Ampah
General Secretary of the Socialist Movement of Ghana, Kwesi Pratt Jnr., has argued that the campaign for reparative justice must go beyond demands for financial compensation and instead seek fundamental changes to the international system.
Speaking at the “Africa’s Freedom Is In Our Hands” International Youth Forum, organised by the Pan-African Progressive Front (PPF), he said the objective of the reparations struggle should be to create a world in which people are treated equally regardless of their race or geographical location.
“What we demand is not compensation. What we demand is equal rights.”
According to Kwesi Pratt Jnr., reparative justice should be understood as part of a broader struggle against the structures that continue to perpetuate inequality and exploitation.
“Our victory will come when we reset this world,” he said, arguing for a new global order in which all citizens are treated as equal.
Pratt also linked the reparations campaign to Africa’s control over its natural resources and greater political influence in international institutions.
He maintained that African countries should not measure success merely by the return of cultural artefacts or financial payments from Western countries.
“Our victory will come when we reset this world, when we build a new world in which all of the citizens, irrespective of their colour, irrespective of their geographical location, will be considered as equal citizens of this world.”
He further called for stronger African unity, including a united Africa capable of acting collectively in defence of its interests.
