Africa's campaign for reparatory justice over the transatlantic slave trade does not primarily seek direct cash payments from Western countries. Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed this position. African nations instead seek meaningful support for policies and development initiatives.
These initiatives aim to address the enduring consequences of slavery and historical inequalities. Investments in the continent's young people are a key focus. Mr. Ablakwa made these remarks in Moscow, responding to international press questions about Ghana's vision for a new world order.
This stance aligns with a landmark United Nations resolution adopted on March 25, 2026. The resolution declared the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialised chattel enslavement as the gravest crime against humanity. Ghana led the efforts for this resolution, which received backing from 123 UN member states.
Mr. Ablakwa stressed that the reparatory justice campaign should not be reduced to demands for direct financial payments. He highlighted that Africa wants Western partners to support causes that correct historical inequalities. This approach aims to expand opportunities and reposition the continent for sustainable development.
“Reparatory justice goes beyond financial compensation,” Mr. Ablakwa stated. He added, “We are not interested in the money of the West; we are saying support causes.” He commended the Archbishop of Canterbury for announcing a 100 million pounds initiative to support young African entrepreneurs. This type of arrangement represents the desired outcome for Africa.
Ghana has consistently championed efforts to advance reparatory justice for Africa and people of African descent. President John Dramani Mahama, in his role as the African Union Champion for Reparations, played a crucial part. The UN resolution, A/RES/80/250, also called for good-faith dialogue on reparatory justice. It further sought the restitution of cultural properties taken from affected countries.
Following the UN vote, Ghana hosted the High-Level Consultative Conference on the Next Steps in Accra. This conference took place from June 17 to 19, 2026. It gathered political leaders, diplomats, academics, and civil society representatives. The goal was to develop practical measures to implement the UN resolution.
Participants at the Accra conference adopted the Accra Next Steps Commitments on Reparatory Justice. This framework covers several critical areas. These include cultural restitution, education, economic transformation, and global governance reforms. Debt relief, climate justice, and technology access are also part of the framework. The commitments also aim to strengthen connections between Africa and its diaspora.
The conference also endorsed mechanisms to sustain the global reparatory justice campaign. These mechanisms include advisory, legal, and cultural restitution structures. Mr. Ablakwa's recent comments reinforce Ghana's consistent position on this matter. The focus remains on long-term interventions that address structural inequalities. This approach aims to foster a more equitable relationship between Africa and the rest of the world.
This strategic shift in the reparations discourse could influence future development aid and investment flows. Western nations may find it easier to engage with proposals focused on structural development rather than direct cash transfers. This approach could unlock new avenues for partnerships and resource mobilisation for African economies. It also signals a mature and forward-looking approach to historical grievances, prioritising future prosperity over past monetary claims.