Reparatory fight will be won just as we did with colonialism and apartheid — Ablakwa

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has expressed strong confidence that the global campaign for reparatory justice will succeed.

He said the momentum behind the current push for reparations reflects a growing international consensus that justice for historical wrongs can no longer be delayed.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Next Steps Conference on Reparatory Justice in Accra on Thursday, June 18, the minister noted that “posterity will be proud of our collective resolve. Victory is on the horizon."

He noted that the current global momentum is unprecedented, stressing that the movement has reached a critical turning point.

According to him, historical struggles against slavery and institutional oppression provide proof that sustained global pressure can yield results.

“We have won many battles; we won the battle against slavery, we won the battle against colonialism, we won the battle against apartheid, and we are confident that we shall win the battle against reparatory injustice,” he stated.

Mr Ablakwa further referenced key historical milestones tied to the abolition of slavery, including legislative actions in the British Parliament and the eventual emancipation of enslaved people in the United States.

He told delegates that the current generation carries a responsibility to complete what past struggles began, insisting that justice must extend into reparative measures for affected communities.

The conference, convened by President John Dramani Mahama, brings together representatives from more than 80 countries to advance discussions on reparations following the adoption of a landmark United Nations resolution recognising the trans-Atlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity.