Reparatory justice requires unity and determination — President Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has stressed that the pursuit of reparatory justice for descendants of enslaved Africans must be driven by collective resolve and sustained unity across the continent and the diaspora.

Speaking at the 39th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa, he said the quest for justice cannot be passive, drawing parallels with Africa’s struggle for political independence.

“Reparatory justice will not be handed over to us like political independence. It must be asserted, pursued, and secured through determination and unity,” he told the gathering of African leaders.

According to President Mahama, a central pillar of this effort is the proposed “Decade of Reparations,” a framework intended to shift the movement from symbolic observances to a sustained global political campaign.

He explained that the initiative would help mobilise governments and international institutions toward long-term engagement on reparatory justice and accountability.

The President also revealed that Ghana is leading diplomatic efforts at the United Nations, where a draft resolution is set to be tabled before the General Assembly on March 25.

The proposed resolution—titled the “Declaration on the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans and Racialised Enslavement of Africans as a Greater Crime Against Humanity”—seeks to formally recognise the transatlantic slave trade and enslavement as distinct crimes against humanity.

President Mahama said the initiative has already secured backing from several member states and partners, including countries within the CARICOM.

He urged African leaders to endorse the resolution unanimously to ensure the continent speaks with one voice on the global stage.

“I urge this Assembly to pass the resolution for tabling at the UN General Assembly on March 25,” he concluded, calling for coordinated continental action in the pursuit of reparatory justice.