President John Dramani Mahama has raised concerns over what he describes as the lack of global recognition of Africa’s historical role in the development of Europe, as calls for reparatory justice continue to gain momentum.
Speaking at a High-Level Special Event on Reparatory Justice at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, the Ghanaian leader emphasized that Africa’s contributions to global economic and industrial advancement have long been overlooked.
“Africa’s role in building the wealth of Europe and the wider world has not been given the recognition it deserves,” President Mahama stated. “This historical omission must be addressed as part of the broader conversation on reparatory justice.”
He highlighted the central role enslaved Africans played in shaping global economies, noting their labour across critical sectors.
“The labour of enslaved Africans was instrumental in the development of infrastructure, agriculture, mining, and domestic economies across continents,” he said.
“These contributions were foundational, yet they remain largely unacknowledged in global narratives.”
President Mahama stressed that acknowledging this history is essential to ongoing discussions on reparations and justice.
“We cannot have a meaningful conversation about reparations without first recognizing the scale and significance of Africa’s contribution to global development,” he emphasized.
His remarks come amid growing international discourse on reparatory justice, with increasing calls for accountability, historical recognition, and concrete measures to address the enduring impacts of the transatlantic slave trade.
The President reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to leading advocacy efforts on the global stage, urging the international community to confront historical truths and take collective steps toward justice and equity.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
