By Ashiadey Dotse
A member of the Illinois House of Representatives in the United States, Carol Ammons, has thrown her support behind reparations for people of African descent, describing them as long-overdue justice and a crucial step toward Africa’s economic transformation.
Speaking during a meeting with the Upper East Regional Minister, Akamugri Donatus Atanga, in Bolgatanga on Wednesday, July 2, 2026, Ammons said the lasting effects of slavery, colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade continue to hold back Africa and its diaspora.
“We have taken many steps toward reparations for our people, and we believe that reparations are due to our people,” she said.
Ammons stressed that reparations should not be viewed only as compensation for historical wrongs but as a practical development strategy for the continent.
“I believe that reparations are part and parcel of the development strategy that is due to Africa as a whole, especially for regions that suffered the brutality of colonialism and the trafficking of African people to the Western Hemisphere,” she said.
She argued that centuries of systemic injustice continue to affect opportunities for people of African descent.
“Our people cannot fully rise under the conditions that history has placed upon them. Addressing those historic injustices is essential if we are to build a more equitable future,” she stated.
The US lawmaker threw her weight behind President John Dramani Mahama’s efforts to push the reparations agenda at the United Nations, saying she is committed to supporting Ghana’s campaign to build international backing.
“We want to support our President in his efforts at the United Nations to build consensus among African leaders and the international community on the issue of reparations for our people,” she said.
Ammons urged African governments, development partners and the global African diaspora to unite and ensure that the push for reparative justice delivers real economic and social benefits.
Her comments come as African leaders and civil society groups intensify calls for reparations, arguing that, addressing the legacy of slavery and colonialism is essential to achieving justice, reconciliation and sustainable development across the continent.
