Former President John Dramani Mahama is deepening Ghana’s diplomatic engagement with Caribbean nations as he builds momentum for a historic United Nations motion to recognise slavery as one of humanity’s gravest crimes.
During what he described as a “garden conversation” with Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell, Mahama discussed strategies to strengthen Africa–Caribbean collaboration on the global campaign for reparations and justice for the descendants of enslaved Africans.
The meeting, held on Saturday, October 18, forms part of Mahama’s broader efforts in his capacity as the African Union’s Champion for Reparations—a role that places him at the forefront of international advocacy for historical redress.
Mahama reaffirmed that Ghana will next year file a motion at the UN seeking the formal recognition of slavery as a crime against humanity. He stressed that the movement for reparations is not a request for aid but a call for justice and restoration.
“This cause is not a plea for charity, but a demand for justice and restoration,” Mahama stated in a Facebook post following the engagement.
Observers say Mahama’s growing coordination with Caribbean leaders, including Grenada’s Prime Minister, reflects a renewed Pan-African push to unify voices from both sides of the Atlantic in addressing the enduring socio-economic impact of slavery.
As discussions intensify ahead of the UN motion, Mahama expressed confidence that leaders across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the African Union will rally behind the initiative—potentially marking a turning point in the global reparations movement.
