President Mahama calls for deeper international action on reparatory justice at UN General Assembly

President John Dramani Mahama addressed the United Nations General Assembly, advocating for intensified international efforts towards reparatory justice. He stressed that acknowledging the historical injustices of the transatlantic slave trade must be followed by changes to global systems that still disadvantage Africa and people of African descent.

Ghana's role in advancing recognition of this trade and racialized chattel enslavement was pivotal, with the adoption of a Ghana-led resolution at the UN highlighting progress. Mahama emphasized that true healing requires honesty, accountability, and meaningful repair. He argued that the legacy of slavery extends beyond loss of lives and communities, affecting economic and structural aspects of Africa.

He demanded comprehensive reforms to global trade, financing, and resource extraction systems, stressing the need for African countries to retain more value from their natural resources. While welcoming moves by certain countries to engage in reparatory justice discussions, Mahama stressed that Africa's ultimate goal is not just financial compensation but a fundamental transformation of the structures shaping economic relations with the developed world.