Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago explore joint mechanism for reparatory justice

Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago are collaborating to create a specialized mechanism, possibly co-chaired by the African Union (AU) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), to advance reparatory justice and engage the United Kingdom (UK). This proposal was discussed during a bilateral meeting between Ghana's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Trinidad and Tobago's Minister, Sean S.M.

Sobers, at the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda. The two ministers noted that existing platforms, such as the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting, might not be sufficient for focused discussions on reparatory justice and emphasized the need for a dedicated platform to coordinate engagement with the UK and other international partners.

They stressed that reparatory justice should encompass acknowledgment of historical injustices, reconciliation, guarantees of non-repetition, and efforts towards a fairer international order. The Trinidad and Tobago delegation proposed development-oriented interventions, such as scholarships, healthcare infrastructure, and educational improvements, as part of the reparatory process.

Climate-related cooperation was also considered. This comes following Ghana's recent UN General Assembly resolution recognizing the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity, adopted in March 2026. Ghana has since established several international panels to support the reparations agenda and has developed a five-year action plan for diplomacy, reparative financing, and reforming the global financial architecture.

The recent talks with Trinidad and Tobago follow increased diplomatic engagement with the UK, with Ghana's Minister commending the UK for its openness to formal apologies and structured dialogue on reparatory justice. The two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, deepening Africa-Caribbean cooperation, and pursuing shared interests in reparatory justice through multilateral engagements.