Story by: Louisa Kukua Barnes

Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called for definite global action on reparations and restitutions following the recent resolution by the United Nations General Assembly.

The resolution, described by the UN as the gravest crime against humanity, addressed historical injustices such as slavery and colonial exploitation and has rekindled debate over compensations for affected nations, especially across Africa and the Caribbean.

Speaking after the resolution, Minister Ablakwa emphasised that the move must go beyond mere financial restitutions.

“We have made it clear that African leaders or Caribbean leaders are not looking for money. It goes against our conscience to seek to profit from this. We don’t want any payments made directly to us.”

He noted that meaningful courses for restitution needed to address long-standing inequalities and should include policy reforms and frameworks to support education, empowerment and skills training.

Another necessary reparation noted by Minister Ablakwa was the return of artefacts to their respective countries.

However, despite a great international support of 123 votes for the resolution, some countries remain hesitant to commit to reparations, with 52 abstentions and 3 against the resolution.

Countries that voted against the resolution included Israel, Argentina, and the United states with the United States arguing that its present government should not be held liable for the historical injustices committed by previous governments.

They explained that accepting the resolution would only pave way for legal claims on a larger scale.

Minister Ablakwa, however, stated that negotiations for the resolution have been in play for a longer period and gone through vigorous consultations that have provided ample opportunity for the resolution. He commented that these reasons provided against the resolution only sought to create an impression of a close window for seeking reparations.

“To us, it is clear that even if we gave them 50 years, they will say that the time is not enough, but we can no longer wait… We cannot keep waiting for those who do not want to reckon, who do not want to come to the table with urgency and with acknowledgement that this is a matter that can no longer be swept under the carpet.”

Ghana has played a leading role in the reparations and resolution, with President John Dramani Mahama spearheading the conversation at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in September last year, drawing attention to the enduring impact of the transatlantic slave trade through cultural and diplomatic initiatives.