38th AU Summit: President Mahama advocates for reparatory justice, unity
Speaking during the launch of the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he underscored the necessity of strong legal and institutional frameworks
President John Dramani Mahama emphasized the urgency of securing reparative justice for Africans and people of African descent. the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking during the launch of the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he underscored the necessity of strong legal and institutional frameworks at national, regional, and international levels to push this agenda forward.
President Mahama referenced the Accra Reparations Conference held in November 2023, highlighting its role in shaping advocacy and policy strategies aimed at comprehensive reparatory justice.
He called for collaborative efforts among European nations, regional economic bodies, the African diaspora, civil society organizations, academic institutions, private sector stakeholders, and international partners to drive meaningful change.
He pointed out that the lasting effects of slavery, colonialism, apartheid, genocide, and ongoing neo-colonial exploitation have deepened economic disparities, social inequalities, systemic discrimination, and racial biases.
Describing the transatlantic slave trade as one of the greatest crimes against humanity, Mahama noted that it spanned nearly four centuries and resulted in the forced displacement of over 12.5 million Africans.
The remnants of these historical injustices, he explained, continue to shape modern societies, leaving lasting socio-economic and political challenges.
Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to reparatory justice, he stressed that addressing these issues requires more than recognition—it demands concrete action.
