President John Dramani Mahama has welcomed what he describes as the United Kingdom government’s openness to a formal apology and structured dialogue over the atrocities committed during the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
His comments follow a declaration by UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham acknowledging the horrific violations of human dignity inflicted through the transatlantic enslavement of Africans.
In a statement issued on Sunday, November 1, 2026, President Mahama described the development as a significant step towards addressing historical injustices and advancing the global conversation on reparatory justice.
He said he welcomed the UK Prime Minister’s acknowledgement with cautious optimism and appreciation, describing the statement as bold, reflective and conciliatory.
As African Union Champion on Reparations and Chair of the Global Advisory Panel on Reparatory Justice, President Mahama said the declaration represents a refreshing contribution to the growing international consensus on reparatory justice.
He noted that the UK’s openness to a formal apology and structured dialogue could provide an opportunity for genuine healing and reconciliation.
According to him, acknowledging the atrocities and offering a formal apology for the mistreatment of millions of Africans would not erase the injustices of the past but would represent a crucial departure from historical denial.
President Mahama, however, acknowledged that Ghana and its international partners may hold differing perspectives on reparatory justice, insisting that such disagreements should not derail their shared objective.
He expressed confidence that good-faith dialogue and political commitment could help achieve a common understanding and advance the cause of justice.
The President commended Prime Minister Burnham and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband for their moral leadership, stressing that confronting historical truths is not a sign of weakness but an act of statesmanship and justice.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s readiness to work with the United Kingdom, the African Union, CARICOM and other members of the global coalition to pursue genuine reconciliation and ensure that such atrocities are never repeated.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️) Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭
