The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, says the global push for reparatory justice is not about African and Caribbean leaders seeking money, but a process aimed at healing, closure and restoring dignity.
Addressing members of the diplomatic corps in Accra last Wednesday, Mr Ablakwa dismissed what he described as a “misconception” that African leaders were mobilising for resources under the guise of reparations.
“There are those out there who seek to create the impression that African leaders are looking for money, that this is all just about some mobilisation for resources.
That is not what this is about,” he stated.
The minister said it went against the conscience and principles of African leaders to seek to profit from the transatlantic slave trade.
“Nobody is asking for money for leadership. Nobody is saying we will not continue to pursue our development paradigm,” he stressed.
He cited ongoing national development programmes to buttress the point.
“In Ghana, there is the Big Push, the Feed Ghana Programme, the MahamaCares Programme, and many other development programmes that we continue to invest in.
We’re not waiting for reparatory funds to develop our country,” Mr Ablakwa said.
He explained that the reparatory justice campaign was about acknowledgement, apology and restitution.
“We are asking for a process that leads to healing, that leads to closure.
We are saying those who have failed to apologise (must) apologise, own up for your crimes,” he said.
Commendation
Mr Ablakwa commended the Dutch government for its approach to the subject, describing it as remarkable.
“The Dutch government has been remarkable in owning up, apologising, and voluntarily returning artefacts.
We have a list they have submitted to us, and another round of returns that they want to carry out.
That is the kind of approach that we commend, and we respect, and we value,” he stated.
He said it was offensive to suggest that leaders from Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America were pursuing reparations because they had run out of funds.
Responsibility
The Foreign Affairs Minister said the focus of the call for reparation was on responsibility and addressing the enduring legacy of slavery, and added that it was about talking about supporting causes, ensuring that the psychological harm caused and the continuous enduring legacy of the transatlantic slavery were dealt with once and for all.
Mr Ablakwa said the campaign would not be derailed by propaganda and hubris from detractors, but would continue to pursue truth and historical facts.
He stressed that Ghana was moving ahead with the process and invited others to join.
“We are not going to wait for anybody.
We are moving ahead. It is a moving train. You are welcome to join us, but if you do not want to join us, you are entitled to your opinion.
“History will remember and will record that when the world was moving forward, when we were righting the wrongs of history, you were not part of it and you could not be found,” Mr Ablakwa said.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
