President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, has urged African leaders to mark Africa Day 2025 as a pivotal moment to renew their commitment to building a continent defined by prosperity, opportunity, and equality for all its people.
Delivering his address during the commemoration of African Union Day 2025, President Mahama called on African nations to seize the momentum of the day not just to reflect on the journey so far, but to boldly chart a transformative path forward.
He emphasized that Africa’s pursuit of reparations is not merely about redressing historical wrongs, but a powerful affirmation of the continent’s enduring resilience, unshakable determination, and unwavering belief in a brighter and more equitable future.
“Africa’s future must be shaped by Africans through unity, vision, and the courage to demand justice and build a continent where every child, regardless of background, can thrive,” he stated.
President Mahama’s remarks resonated with the theme of the day, calling for collective resolve among African nations to rise beyond colonial legacies and economic injustice and to reaffirm their shared destiny.
Read the full speech of President Mahama below:
Fellow Africans, esteemed leaders, brothers and sisters of the African continent, it is with great honor that I address you today on the occasion of Africa Day 2025. As we gather in Addis Ababa and connect across our vast continent and beyond, we celebrate our resilience, our rich heritage and our unwavering spirit. This year our celebration is particularly significant.
The African Union has declared 2025 as the year for justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations. As the AU champion for this critical cause, I’m deeply committed to working with you all to achieve this vital objective. For too long, the legacy of slavery, colonialism and neocolonialism has cast a long shadow on the lives and progress of Africans and people of African descent.
These historical injustices have left deep scars. Reparations are not merely about financial compensation, they are about acknowledging the profound and enduring damage inflicted upon our people. They are about confronting the uncomfortable truths of our past and taking concrete steps to rectify these wrongs.
We seek justice, justice that encompasses a comprehensive range of measures, including official and unequivocal apologies from the nations and institutions responsible for perpetrating these historical injustices.
Addressing the crippling debt-bedding that continues to stifle economic growth in many African nations, a direct consequence of exploitation and unfair trade practices. Providing resources and expertise to empower African nations to achieve sustainable development and participate fully in the global economy.
Returning stolen artifacts and cultural treasures that rightfully belong to our heritage. Investing in the educational initiatives to promote a deeper understanding of African history, culture and contributions to the world. This is not a simple task.
It requires courage, determination and a unified front. It requires us to engage in meaningful dialogue with those responsible and to advocate tirelessly for our rights. I call upon my colleague African leaders, civil society organizations and youth groups and members of the diaspora to join hands in this important endeavor.
Let us work together to build a future where justice prevails, where the wounds of the past are healed and where the potential of every African and person of African descent is fully realized. Let Africa Day 2025 be a turning point. Let us reaffirm our commitment to building a continent of prosperity, opportunity and equality for all our people.
Let the pursuit of reparations be a testament to our resilience, our determination and our unwavering belief in a brighter future. Happy Africa Day. Let us move together, united in purpose, towards a just and equitable future for all Africans and people of African descent.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites
) / Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 
