By James Amoh Junior
Accra, Nov. 3, GNA – Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs, has commended the United Kingdom (UK) for its reported willingness to consider a formal apology and structured dialogue on reparatory justice for its historical role in the transatlantic enslavement of Africans.
He said the development was a significant step towards healing, reconciliation and addressing the enduring consequences of the transatlantic slave trade.
Mr Ablakwa conveyed the commendation on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Government and people of Ghana during a bilateral meeting with Mr Ed Miliband, the UK Foreign Secretary, on the sidelines of the ongoing Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2026) in Antigua and Barbuda.
In a statement shared on social media, the Minister described the UK’s reported openness to the discussions as an act of courage and moral leadership.
He said Ghana, together with its partners in the African Union (AU), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and a broader international coalition, was ready to work with the UK to advance reparatory justice.
He said the collaboration would focus on genuine reconciliation, restitution, reparations and efforts to build a world free from racism and discrimination.
Mr Ablakwa attributed the development to Ghana’s leadership in securing a landmark United Nations resolution declaring the transatlantic enslavement of Africans the gravest crime against humanity.
He said the resolution had advanced global conversations on historical injustices and the need for meaningful action to address their lasting effects.
The Minister also welcomed European countries that abstained during the UN vote, expressing Ghana’s readiness to continue engaging them on the issue.
He described the development as a proud moment for Ghana’s foreign policy and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to pursuing reparatory justice for the country and descendants of enslaved Africans.
“Reparatory Justice is the real winner!” he said.
Mr Ablakwa said Ghana would remain focused on securing tangible results in the pursuit of justice and reconciliation.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe