Mahama: Reparatory justice is long overdue for Africa and its descendants

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his support for the African Union’s (AU) push for reparatory justice for Africans and people of African descent, stressing that historical injustices must be addressed through concrete action.

Speaking at the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, President Mahama described the moment as a milestone in Africa‘s collective pursuit of justice and equity.

“This moment marks a significant milestone in our collective pursuit of justice, equity, and the long overdue recognition of the historical injustices that continue to shape the lives of Africans and people of African descent worldwide,” he stated.

The AU dedicated 2025 to the cause of reparatory justice following a landmark decision made during its 37th Ordinary Session in February 2024. President Mahama noted that this aligns with Africa’s broader vision under Agenda 2063 to achieve liberation, unity, and socio-economic empowerment.

He highlighted the devastating impact of the transatlantic slave trade, which forcibly displaced over 12.5 million Africans, with at least two million perishing during the Middle Passage. Beyond slavery, he pointed to colonialism, apartheid, genocide, and neo-colonial exploitation as enduring scars on African societies.

“The descendants of enslaved Africans continue to face economic disparities, social inequality, systemic discrimination, and racial prejudices,” he said. “Addressing these challenges requires more than just acknowledging them—it demands action.”

President Mahama underscored the lasting economic damage caused by colonialism, citing the continent’s loss of trillions of dollars in human and material resources due to forced extraction of wealth. He noted that colonial policies deliberately hindered Africa’s industrial growth, creating a dependency on foreign economies that persists to this day.

“The systemic plundering of Africa’s natural resources, coupled with the disruption of traditional governance structures, has resulted in lasting consequences, worsening poverty, underdevelopment, and inequality throughout the continent,” he stated.

Recalling Ghana’s leadership in the reparations movement, President Mahama referenced the Accra Reparations Conference held in November 2023, which brought together African leaders, scholars, and the global African diaspora to advance discussions on reparatory justice. The conference laid the foundation for stronger advocacy and policy frameworks to push for reparations.

He emphasized that reparations should go beyond financial compensation to include restitution, rehabilitation, and guarantees of non-repetition. “Reparations involve not only financial compensation but also truth-telling, historical accountability, and the restoration of agency to those who have been marginalized for centuries,” he explained.

According to President Mahama, the call for reparations extends to addressing structural inequalities, ensuring access to education and economic opportunities, reclaiming cultural heritage, and amplifying Africa’s voice on the global stage.