John Dramani Mahama calls for formal UK apology over slave trade

President John Dramani Mahama has welcomed UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s acknowledgment of the transatlantic slave trade, while calling for a formal apology and structured dialogue on reparatory justice. Speaking in his capacity as the African Union (AU) Champion on Reparations, President Mahama described the Prime Minister’s recent remarks as a significant acknowledgment of the United Kingdom's colonial legacy. He emphasized that these steps are essential for addressing the human rights violations inherent in the historical trade. While praising the UK government's openness to dialogue, President Mahama insisted that acknowledgments alone are insufficient to address past injustices. He articulated a five-point framework for future discussions, which includes the formal apology, the return of stolen cultural artifacts, and targeted investments in education and healthcare. These priorities are intended to provide practical solutions to the lingering effects of slavery and colonialism that continue to affect African nations and the diaspora. The President also highlighted the importance of dismantling systemic racism and building development partnerships to combat structural inequities and poverty. He noted that Ghana, with its numerous historical castles and forts, serves as a poignant reminder of the slave trade's impact. Mahama called for collaborative efforts involving the AU, CARICOM, and other international partners to achieve a future free from discrimination and grounded in reconciliation. President Mahama urged international leaders to demonstrate moral courage in confronting historical truths. He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to a coordinated international commitment to reparative justice, stressing that structured dialogue is necessary to foster healing. By aligning with global movements for reparations, the President aims to ensure that the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade is addressed through meaningful and lasting action.