President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama has urged African leaders to unite in tackling historical injustices by providing decent reparations for Africans and individuals of African descent.
Speaking at the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, President Mahama stressed that reparations extend beyond financial compensation but involves restoring dignity, addressing systemic inequalities and recognizing the enduring effects of colonialism and slavery.
According to him, achieving justice necessitates the establishment of more robust legal and institutional frameworks at national, regional and international levels.
“We must continue to advocate for stronger legal and institutional mechanisms to ensure that justice for the historical trauma inflicted on global Africa is not just a conversation, but a reality,” he stated.
President Mahama also highlighted the profound consequences of the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, apartheid, genocide and neo-colonial exploitation, which have led to significant economic disparities, social inequality, systemic discrimination and racial prejudices.
He described the transatlantic slave trade as one of the most egregious crimes against humanity, which lasted approximately 400 years and forcibly displaced more than 12.5 million Africans, with an estimated two million dying during the middle passage.
“The economic impact of colonialism on Africa has been profound, with the continent losing trillions of dollars in both human and material resources due to colonial exploitation,” President Mahama added.
The theme for the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU is; “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations”, marks another significant milestone in the conscious institutionalization of reparatory justice and racial healing in Africa.
This initiative aims to develop a Common African Position on Reparations, establish an African Reparatory Programme of Action, and strengthen collaboration with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the global African diaspora through a Joint Mechanism on Reparations.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Abdul-Hanan Adam
