Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has called on the United Kingdom to formally apologise for its involvement in the transatlantic slave trade and return African cultural artefacts taken during slavery and colonial rule.
Mahama made the demands in a statement on Sunday, November 1, following comments by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who expressed willingness to consider a formal apology and engage in structured discussions with countries affected by the slave trade.
The Ghanaian president welcomed the British leader’s position but stressed that an apology alone would not be enough to address the lasting damage caused by slavery and colonialism.
Mahama, who serves as the African Union (AU) Champion on Reparations and Chair of the Global Advisory Panel on Reparatory Justice, identified five major areas that should form the basis of the proposed discussions.
These include a formal apology from Britain, joint efforts to tackle systemic racism and discrimination against Africans, increased investment in education, healthcare and youth development, the return of stolen African cultural artefacts, and development partnerships aimed at addressing poverty and economic inequality.
He also called for discussions on unfair global debt arrangements, which he said continue to place developing countries at a disadvantage.
Mahama described Britain’s willingness to consider an apology as an important step towards achieving reparatory justice.
His comments followed the adoption of a Ghana-led United Nations resolution in March recognising the transatlantic slave trade and the racialised enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity. The United Kingdom abstained during the vote.
According to Mahama, acknowledging the atrocities and offering a formal apology would not erase the suffering experienced by millions of Africans but would help address historical denial, promote healing and create opportunities for justice.
He urged all countries involved in the proposed discussions to approach the process with sincerity and an open mind, recognising that different governments may have varying positions on reparations.
The Ghanaian leader further recommended that the discussions should be guided by existing frameworks, including the Accra Next Steps Commitments, CARICOM’s Ten Point Plan and the African Union’s declarations on reparatory justice.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham had earlier indicated that his government was prepared to listen to demands for an apology and participate in structured dialogue.
However, he ruled out financial reparations, arguing that people living today should not be held financially responsible for historical injustices committed by previous generations.
Ghana has continued to lead international efforts to secure the return of African cultural artefacts currently held in foreign museums and private collections.
Mahama reaffirmed his country’s commitment to working with the United Kingdom, African nations, CARICOM and the African diaspora to pursue reconciliation, the return of stolen heritage and measures to address the lasting consequences of slavery and colonialism.
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