Accra: Ghana is currently facing political backlash from Western countries, led by Reform UK, for its role in advocating for slavery reparations. This backlash comes after a UN resolution on March 25, which called for a fair and inclusive dialogue on reparatory justice, including formal apologies and financial compensation for slavery.
According to Ghana Web, the African Union's 2025 theme, 'Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,' has brought the issue of reparations to the forefront. By mid-2025, the AU declared 2026 to 2035 as the decade of reparations, appointing Ghana's President John Mahama to lead the initiative. The AU has also proposed an African-based global reparations fund to support development programs, educational systems, and cultural institutions that address systemic racism.
However, Reform UK has taken a strong stance against countries like Ghana and Nigeria, which are demanding reparations. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has proposed visa restrictions for citizens from nations seeking reparations from the British state for historical involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. Zia Yusuf, Reform UK's Home Affairs spokesperson, criticized the demands for compensation, stating they overlook Britain's role in abolishing slavery and declared, "the bank is closed and the door is locked."
The pushback against reparations is not limited to Reform UK. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ruled out formal apologies and direct reparations, suggesting a focus on the future rather than revisiting past injustices. Sir Hilary Beckles, Chairman of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, condemned Reform UK's stance as a continuation of colonial attitudes and punitive measures against African nations.
Despite Reform UK holding only eight seats in the UK Parliament, the party's influence is growing, as evidenced by its lead in several opinion polls ahead of the next general election. The demand for reparations is seen by many as a call for justice, rooted in the economic disparities and racial inequalities that are remnants of slavery and colonialism.
The issue has also fueled anti-UK and anti-US sentiment across Africa, as Western powers continue to dismiss the historical wrongs of the past. At the Next Steps Conference in Accra, Burkina Faso's UN Permanent Representative Sadou Zongo linked Africa's current economic struggles to the historical enrichment of colonial powers, highlighting the ongoing impact of slavery and colonialism.
The conference, which gathers leaders and representatives from over 80 countries, aims to reaffirm Africa's commitment to reparatory justice. However, the absence of French President Emmanuel Macron, who will only address the conference via video, has raised questions about the role of former colonial powers in discussions about slavery and reparations.