President Mahama Appoints Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah as Special Envoy for Reparations

President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah as Special Envoy for Reparations, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to advancing the global movement for reparative justice for slavery and colonial exploitation.

The appointment, announced this week, positions Dr Spio-Garbrah to lead Ghana’s advocacy efforts across Africa and the diaspora, fostering collaboration, shaping policy frameworks, and mobilising international support to address the enduring legacies of historical injustices.

Dr Spio-Garbrah, a seasoned diplomat and statesman, brings extensive experience in international diplomacy, governance, and development to the new role. He has previously served as Minister of Trade and Industry, Minister of Education, and Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States and Mexico.

His professional background also includes leadership roles at the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) in London and the African Development Bank (AfDB), where he contributed to strategic initiatives promoting African economic growth and regional integration.

As Trade and Industry Minister, Dr Spio-Garbrah championed industrialisation, supported small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and facilitated key trade agreements that broadened Ghana’s export base. His tenure as Education Minister also saw important reforms in tertiary education governance and access expansion.

In his new capacity as Special Envoy for Reparations, Dr Spio-Garbrah will collaborate with African governments, the African Union (AU), CARICOM, and global advocacy organisations to strengthen Africa’s unified case for reparations.

The reparations agenda has gained global traction in recent years, with African leaders calling for restitution and reparative justice to address centuries of economic, cultural, and human exploitation.

President Mahama described the appointment as a strategic and symbolic milestone in Ghana’s ongoing Pan-African leadership role.

“Dr. Spio-Garbrah’s wealth of experience in international relations and his longstanding commitment to Africa’s development make him well suited to lead Ghana’s contribution to this crucial global conversation”.