The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has urged world leaders and stakeholders to adopt bold and collective approaches in advancing the global reparations agenda, stressing that the outcomes of ongoing discussions in Accra could shape the future direction of international efforts on historical justice.
Speaking at the high-level Consultative Conference on the United Nations Slavery Resolution, he emphasized that no single nation or institution can successfully address the legacies of historical injustices alone, calling for stronger partnerships and sustained global commitment.
He noted that the conference is expected to go beyond symbolic recognition of the past and focus on practical, long-term mechanisms for addressing the continuing effects of slavery and colonial exploitation.
“Your Excellencies, the significance of this conference extends beyond the discussions over the next two days. The decisions, recommendations and partnerships emerging from this meeting have the potential to shape the future trajectory of the global reparations agenda. We are therefore challenging to think boldly, build bridges across regions, collectively and move beyond historical recognition to a sustainable mechanism to address the ongoing effects of historical injustices. As President Mahama has emphasized, no single institution, nation, or region can advance this agenda alone. Success will require partnerships, shared understanding and sustained commitment.” He stated.
He described Ghana’s selection as host country as highly symbolic, citing its deep historical connection to the transatlantic slave trade and its network of forts and castles along the coast, which stand as reminders of that era.
Ablakwa further stated that Ghana’s evolving global identity reflects a shift from historical pain to national healing and advocacy for justice.
“It is therefore fitting that this conference is being held in Ghana. For centuries, Ghana was held as the headquarters of the transatlantic enslavement. That is why Ghana hosts the highest number of forts and castles than any other country.
“Today, Ghana is transitioning from being a crime scene to a sanctuary for healing and reparatory justice.” He stated.
The conference forms part of broader international engagements aimed at strengthening consensus on reparatory justice, historical accountability, and global cooperation on the lasting impacts of the transatlantic slave trade.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration is leading Ghana’s diplomatic role in the discussions hosted in Accra.
Source: Newspyramid.com
