Mahama says an apology for slavery is not enough, as Britain signals it will talk
Ghana wants dialogue that covers investment and the return of stolen heritage. The UK has ruled out financial reparations.
Accra — Ghana has backed talks with Britain on the transatlantic slave trade, but President John Mahama says they must go beyond an apology.
The statement, signed by Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu, followed an article in The Guardian by UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham. He said Britain was prepared for dialogue with those affected, but ruled out financial reparations.
Ghana backed structured, good-faith talks between the African Union, the Caribbean Community, the diaspora and the countries involved in the trade. It said differences with partners over parts of reparatory justice should not undermine the shared goal.
What Mahama wants on the table
- A coordinated international commitment to dismantle systemic racism and Afrophobia.
- Targeted investment in education, science, young people, climate resilience and healthcare.
- The return of stolen cultural heritage.
He said the Accra Next Steps Commitments, CARICOM's Ten Point Plan and African Union declarations already offer a framework.
Source: Ghanaian Times via allAfrica, November 2026.
