Akufo-Addo re-echoes pursuing of payment of slave trade reparations

President Nana Addo Danwka Akufo-Addo has once again affirmed his dedication to pursuing payment for reparations related to the slave trade. He made these remarks during an event organized by UNESCO at the Ark of Return memorial at the United Nations headquarters on Monday, 23 September 2024, marking the 30th anniversary of the UNESCO Routes of Enslaved Peoples Programme.

The Programme, established in 1994 by Benin and Haiti, has played a crucial role in increasing awareness and understanding of the history and impacts of enslavement. President Akufo-Addo highlighted the importance of the Accra Reparation Conference, held last year in Ghana, which received support from the African Union. He expressed confidence that a global commission would soon be established to lead efforts for reparations.

Referring to Ghana’s significant role in the slave trade, with 75% of slave castles located on its soil, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the need for unity among the global African community to prevent such atrocities from happening again. He stressed the importance of establishing a global commission on reparations, as discussed during the Accra conference, to facilitate healing and reconciliation in the aftermath of such tragic events.