Ghana Celebrates African Union Day with Call for Unity and Reparations
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with other government agencies, celebrated African Union Day with a solemn flag-raising ceremony. Hon. Sam George, Minister of Communication, delivered a speech on behalf of Foreign Minister Okudzeto Ablakwa, highlighting the significance of the day.
The theme for this year’s African Union Day, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” was launched by President John Dramani Mahama at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in Addis Ababa. The theme aims to mobilize political will, foster partnerships, and bring an end to the culture of silence and denial surrounding racism and colonialism.
Ghana has been championing the cause of reparations to Africans and people of African descent long before the AU chose it as its theme of the year. Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was the African Union Leader on Advancing the Cause of Justice and Payment of Reparations to Africans. Ghana has also organized several conferences on reparations, including the Accra Reparations Conference in November 2023 and the Advancing Justice: Reparations and Racial Healing Summit in August 2022.
In his speech, Hon. Sam George emphasized the need for unity and cooperation among African leaders to lay the foundations for a more peaceful and prosperous future for all people in Africa. He also celebrated the continent’s diversity and rich cultural heritage.
The flag-raising ceremony was attended by ambassadors and high commissioners of African states accredited to Ghana, members of the diplomatic corps, and other distinguished guests. The celebration marked an opportunity for Africans to reflect on their shared history and culture while looking towards a brighter future.
On her part ,H.E. Mrs. Imane Ouaadil, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco and Dean of the African Group, highlighted the significance of the day, noting that Ghana’s President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, had recently launched the African Union’s 2025 theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”
Ambassador Ouaadil emphasized that the theme aligns with the AU’s Agenda 2063 for an integrated, peaceful, and prosperous continent. She called on African leaders to prioritize unity and cooperation to lay the foundation for a more peaceful and prosperous future for all people in Africa.
The Ambassador acknowledged Ghana’s long-standing commitment to championing the cause of reparations, citing the country’s organization of the Accra Reparations Conference in November 2023 and the 2022 Advancing Justice, Reparations, and Racial Healing Summit. These efforts, she noted, reaffirm the necessity for comprehensive reparatory justice with the collaboration of the international community, regional economic communities, and the Global African diaspora.
Ambassador Ouaadil celebrated Africa’s rich cultural diversity and vast human and natural resources, which have the potential to eradicate poverty and drive opportunity and prosperity for all. She urged Africans to come together, prioritizing unity and cooperation to build a brighter future for the continent.
She concluded by emphasizing that Africa’s future depends on the collective efforts of its leaders and citizens.
