Facing our past and shaping our future together

Britain and Ghana must confront the past together, acknowledging its injustices and recognizing their impact on modern relations. In Ghana's National Theatre, I witnessed "The Darkest Chapter," a play depicting the slave trade's horrors and its aftermath. The line "before diplomacy, before policy, before resolutions, there were human beings" resonated deeply.

Millions of people were forcibly removed from their homes, families, and communities, their labor exploited and their suffering endured. The UK Prime Minister has expressed sorrow and regret for the pain caused by this history, which still shapes our world today. Ghana has played a crucial role in keeping the world's attention on the transatlantic slave trade, providing a platform for difficult and sensitive discussions.

At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Commonwealth leaders agreed to engage in open and respectful dialogue about the transatlantic slave trade, with the UK agreeing to collaborate in good faith. The Prime Minister met with Ghana's President to discuss these plans and welcomed his support. Listening to those affected by this history will be crucial, and the outcome should not be predetermined.

The dialogue must allow for honest disagreement and the recognition that listening is an essential part of an equal partnership. Ghana's 70th anniversary of independence offers numerous opportunities to reflect on its journey from colonial rule to independence and its ongoing influence in the world. The UK is committed to participating in these conversations with humility, openness, and respect, remembering the past while working together towards a common future based on dignity and equity.