The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called on the international community to move beyond symbolic recognition and take concrete action on reparatory justice following the recent United Nations resolution on the legacy of slavery.
Addressing delegates at the high-level “Next Steps” Conference on Reparatory Justice in Accra on Thursday, June 18, Mr. Ablakwa said the global movement for reparations is gaining momentum and must now be translated into practical outcomes that address historical injustices.
He noted that the UN resolution has provided a strong foundation for advancing discussions on reparatory justice and has already strengthened international advocacy efforts on the issue.
According to him, the Accra conference brings together policymakers, academics, and global advocates at a critical moment to shape the next phase of the reparations agenda.
Mr. Ablakwa stressed the importance of deeper international cooperation, urging participants to develop unified strategies that go beyond acknowledgement of historical wrongs to focus on actionable policy measures.
He said such collaboration is necessary to confront the long-standing social, economic, and developmental impacts of slavery and colonial exploitation.
The Foreign Affairs Minister also highlighted Ghana’s historical connection to the transatlantic slave trade, referencing the country’s coastal forts and castles as enduring reminders of that past.
He added that Ghana is now playing a renewed role centred on reconciliation, healing, and leadership in the global push for justice for people of African descent.
Mr. Ablakwa observed that global expectations for the conference are high, with many looking to the gathering for clear direction and practical outcomes that will strengthen the reparatory justice movement.
“The world is looking to this conference for leadership, vision and action,” he said, adding that participants carry a responsibility to convert growing international support into meaningful and lasting change.
