{
  "id": 9599185,
  "title": "Real reparations requires structural transformation, not gestures – Mahama",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/real-reparations-requires-structural-transformation-not-gestures",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-24T17:34:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ghanaian Times",
    "slug": "ghanaian-times",
    "url": "https://ghanaiantimes.com.gh/real-reparations-requires-structural-transformation-not-gestures-mahama/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "President John Dramani Mahama emphasized that the UN resolution recognizing the transatlantic slave trade as the most egregious crime against humanity must drive systemic change in global affairs. Speaking at the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, Mahama expressed gratitude to nations voting for justice, particularly the African Union, CARICOM, and CELAC. He clarified that the resolution was not a mere symbolic action, but a response to the enduring structural effects of slavery, including racism, economic inequality, and an unfair global financial system. Mahama welcomed recent efforts by the Netherlands, Germany, and France to engage in discussions on reparations, but stressed that true reparations necessitate a fundamental restructuring of the global order. This restructuring should dismantle exploitative trade practices, resource extraction, credit rating discrimination, unsustainable debt, and the exportation of raw materials without further processing. In terms of global governance, Mahama pointed out the historical imbalance in the UN Security Council, highlighting Africa's vast population yet lack of a permanent seat. He argued that Africa's absence is untenable in the modern era and called for full membership with all associated rights and powers. Mahama further argued for reforming the international financial system to end exploitative interest rates and support developing nations with affordable financing for investment in human capital, industrialization, and climate adaptation. He asserted that Africa should not be a recipient of charity, but a partner in global affairs, leveraging its demographic advantage, arable land, and essential minerals for sustainable development.",
  "summary": "President John Dramani Mahama says the UN resolution affirming the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity must lead to structural transformation of the global system. “We thank every nation that voted for justice, and I am deeply grateful to our brothers and sisters in the African Union, CARICOM, CELAC, and our partners … The post Real reparations requires structural…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Mahama calls for structural repair after UN slavery resolution",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/mahama-calls-for-structural-repair-after-un-slavery-resolution",
        "published": "2026-09-24T14:10:38.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}