Ghana's president talks slavery reparations

##Ghana’s President Says Slavery Reparations Should Go Beyond Cash Payments

#Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated calls for reparations over the transatlantic slave trade, saying compensation should go beyond direct financial payments to include investments in education, healthcare, economic development and debt relief.

#Mahama made the remarks as discussions over historical justice and compensation for the forced enslavement of Africans continue to attract international attention.

#According to the Ghanaian president, reparations should address the long-term economic and social consequences of slavery rather than focus exclusively on cash payments to affected communities and their descendants.

#He identified investments in critical sectors, including education and healthcare, as possible ways countries involved in the slave trade could contribute towards correcting historical injustices.

#The president also highlighted economic growth and improved debt treatment as important components of reparatory justice, arguing that such measures could help African and Caribbean countries address some of the disadvantages linked to their historical exploitation.

#His comments come amid renewed international discussions following a United Nations resolution adopted in March 2026, which described the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity.

#The resolution, although non-binding, called for greater international recognition of the suffering caused by the trafficking and enslavement of Africans, alongside efforts towards restitution and compensation.

#Mahama has been at the forefront of the international campaign for reparations, working to build support among African nations, Caribbean countries and members of the African diaspora.

#The debate has also intensified following comments by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who expressed openness to a formal apology for Britain's historical involvement in the slave trade but ruled out financial reparations.

#Britain's position has generated further discussions about what meaningful compensation should look like and how countries affected by slavery can obtain lasting justice.

#In response to the developments, Mahama has announced the creation of three working panels to examine practical approaches to reparatory justice.

#The discussions are expected to explore possible areas of cooperation and identify measures that could address the lasting consequences of slavery.

#For Ghana, the campaign is not simply about financial compensation but also about restoring dignity, recognising historical suffering and creating opportunities for future generations.

#The renewed push reflects growing demands across Africa and the Caribbean for former slave-trading nations to acknowledge their historical responsibilities and support meaningful efforts towards justice and development.