Africa not seeking Western cash in reparations campaign – Ablakwa

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa of Ghana has clarified that Africa's campaign for reparatory justice over the transatlantic slave trade is not primarily about seeking financial compensation from Western countries. Instead, he emphasized that African nations are seeking meaningful support for policies, programs, and development initiatives aimed at addressing the lasting effects of slavery and historical inequalities.

During a press conference in Moscow, Mr. Ablakwa responded to questions about Ghana's vision for the future following the adoption of a United Nations resolution declaring the slave trade and racialized enslavement as the most severe crime against humanity. He stressed that the focus should not be on direct financial payments to African governments.

Instead, he advocated for Western partners to support causes and initiatives that could correct historical inequalities, expand opportunities, and reposition the continent for sustainable development. The minister highlighted that Ghana had been a leader in advocating for reparatory justice, and the recent UN resolution, championed by President John Dramani Mahama, called for good-faith dialogue on reparations and the restitution of cultural properties.

Ghana also hosted a conference in Accra to develop practical measures for translating the resolution into action, with commitments covering areas such as cultural restitution, education, economic transformation, global governance reforms, debt relief, climate justice, technology access, and strengthened connections between Africa and its diaspora.