President John Dramani Mahama has called for reparatory justice for the descendants of Africans trafficked through the transatlantic slave trade, emphasizing that the demand is for justice, not charity.
Speaking at a luncheon in honour of Prime Minister Terrance Michael Drew and his delegation from Saint Kitts and Nevis at the Jubilee House on Wednesday March 4, 2026, President Mahama highlighted the historical and cultural ties that unite Africa and the Caribbean.
He said the painful rupture caused by slavery and colonialism severed economic and social links between the regions but could not erase their shared identity.
“Our call is not for charity, but for justice. Africa and the Caribbean are advocating for acknowledgment of historical injustices, accountability, and equitable global reforms. This includes reparations, truth-telling, and policies that address the lasting social, economic, and political impacts of slavery and colonial exploitation” President Mahama stated.
The President underlined that the goal of reparatory justice is to ensure that the narrative of Africa and its diaspora is told by Africans themselves, grounded in truth and anchored in accountability.
He stressed the importance of unity and moral conviction in Africa-Caribbean collaboration to address historical injustices.
President Mahama also noted that Ghana will host a high-level special event on reparatory justice later this month at the United Nations, aimed at advancing discussions on the global recognition of the crimes of slavery and colonial exploitation as one of the gravest crimes against humanity.
“The time has come to move beyond remembrance to reconstruction, transforming shared memories into shared purpose,” he said.
“Political solidarity must now be matched by economic integration, trade, and opportunities that empower our youth and communities.”
The luncheon also marked the historic visit of Prime Minister Drew, the first leader of Saint Kitts and Nevis to make an official visit to Ghana, symbolizing renewed momentum in Africa-Caribbean relations and cooperation on economic, cultural, and social fronts.
President Mahama concluded by reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and ancestral ties with the Caribbean, while advocating for justice and equity for people of African descent globally.
