US ready to work with Ghana on reparatory justice despite opposing UN resolution – Ablakwa

The United States has signaled its intention to collaborate with Ghana on the matter of reparatory justice, despite casting a vote against a related United Nations resolution. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced this willingness during a High-Level Side Event on the Next Steps, organized by President John Dramani Mahama in New York on September 23.

The US expressed its readiness to work towards a fair and just world, even though it opposed the resolution alongside Israel and Argentina. This resolution, adopted in March 2026, received support from 123 countries while 52 abstained.

Mr. Ablakwa highlighted that the US decision to engage in dialogue with Ghana underscored the initiative's purpose: not to create divisions, but to foster unity and healing. The Ghana-led effort, under the leadership of President Mahama as Chair of the Global Advisory Panel on Reparatory Justice, aims to reconcile rather than polarize nations.

Ablakwa emphasized that there are no hidden agendas behind the diplomatic push, stating, "We seek a new world, a fair and just world, a world without racism, a world without discrimination."

The minister also discussed the return of African cultural artifacts as a crucial initial step in realizing reparatory justice commitments. Ghana is seeking the repatriation of African artifacts housed in European and American museums and private collections, asserting that these objects are integral to Africa's identity, culture, and heritage.

He praised France, Germany, and the Netherlands for publicly committing to return these artifacts and encouraged other nations to follow suit, asserting that they represent "our soul, our spirit, our humanity, our culture, our heritage."

President Mahama further called for the restitution of African cultural heritage and human remains held in museums and private collections overseas. He emphasized that human remains are not merely collectibles but hold profound emotional and cultural significance. Mahama stressed that these remains were acquired through conquest, punitive expeditions, and colonial violence and must be returned to their original communities and institutions.

He recounted historical instances, such as the 1874 looting of the Asante Royal Palace in Kumasi by British forces and the subsequent return of the Mpomponsuo sword in 2024. Mahama also mentioned the return of King Badu Bonsu II of Ahanta's remains to Ghana in 2009, underscoring the moral urgency of these repatriations. He advocated for a three-pronged approach to action: establishing a permanent global restitution system, enhancing Africa's capacity to manage repatriated heritage, and ensuring that capacity constraints are not used as an excuse for continued possession.