President John Dramani Mahama has called for a broader conversation on reparations for the transatlantic slave trade, arguing that the issue should not be reduced to demands for financial compensation alone.
He says the question of reparations must also involve acknowledgement of the historical injustices suffered by Africans and people of African descent, as well as efforts towards justice and healing.
He made these remarks while speaking in an interview with TRT news.
President Mahama’s position places the reparations debate within a wider conversation about Africa’s historical relationship with the rest of the world and the consequences of the transatlantic slave trade.
For him, addressing the legacy of slavery requires more than determining a financial figure. It also requires recognition of the historical harm caused and meaningful efforts to address its continuing consequences.
The President linked the issue to his broader concerns about fairness and justice within the international system.
He criticised what he described as inconsistencies in the application of international law, particularly in relation to the conflict in Gaza, arguing that global principles should not be applied differently depending on who is involved.
“As long as we continue to distort justice, depending on who it is, we’ll continue to live a lie,” President Mahama said.
He argued that a credible international system must apply its rules and principles consistently, irrespective of the identity, political influence or economic strength of those involved.
The President’s comments therefore place the question of reparations within a much broader debate about global justice and historical inequality.
For Africa and people of African descent, the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade remains an important part of discussions about development, inequality and the relationship between Africa and the countries that benefited from the slave trade.
President Mahama’s position suggests that reparations should be viewed not simply as a financial transaction, but as part of a process of acknowledgement, justice and healing.
The issue also connects with his broader call for Africa to redefine its relationship with the international community.
He argues that Africa must be able to engage the rest of the world from a position of dignity and equality while ensuring that historical injustices and contemporary inequalities are properly addressed.
His comments add Ghana’s voice to the continuing international debate over how the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade should be acknowledged and addressed.
