Ghana slavery apology: Why many descendants say words are not enough | News
Accra, Ghana – As discussions around reparations for the transatlantic slave trade intensify, many descendants of enslaved Africans assert that formal apologies alone do not equate to justice. They argue that without substantive actions, acknowledgment of historical wrongs cannot rectify the deep-rooted issues of loss, displacement, and exploitation faced by their ancestors.
The renewed debate was sparked by the “Next Steps” conference on slavery and reparatory justice, held in Accra from June 17 to 19. The event brought together heads of state, policymakers, legal experts, civil society representatives, and members of the African diaspora. This gathering followed the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of a resolution recognizing the transatlantic slave trade as one of the gravest crimes against humanity, supported by 123 countries.
At the conference, participants adopted a 19-point framework demanding formal apologies from nations and institutions that benefitted from slavery. The framework also called for reparations mechanisms, debt relief, the return of cultural artifacts and human remains, educational initiatives, and enhanced international cooperation.
However, many descendants view a mere apology as insufficient. Yaw Owusu Akyeaw, a member of African Diaspora 126+, expressed skepticism about apologies as genuine acts of accountability. “A verbal apology is a symbolic way to acknowledge a wrong while doing nothing tangible for repairing the damage or compensating those affected,” he stated.
Marvin Walker, a Guyanese entrepreneur who relocated to Ghana to reconnect with his roots, shared similar sentiments. He described official apologies as potentially hollow gestures that do not reflect genuine remorse or commitment to change.
The impacts of the transatlantic slave trade extended beyond those who were forcibly taken. David Adofo from the African Chamber of Content Producers highlighted the enduring trauma experienced by communities left behind. “Slavery did not only affect those who were taken away, but also those who lost loved ones and trust in humanity,” he stated.
Adofo pointed to the lasting effects of colonial education programs, such as the Bantu Educational Kinema Experiment, arguing that these initiatives have contributed to the ongoing challenges faced by African societies. “Investment in educational content production should be driven by Africans and supported by the West to help rectify the historical injustices,” he added.
For some descendants, the wounds of slavery remain open, with no apology able to provide closure. One individual, a descendant of enslaved laborers, shared, “I have no clue where I am originally from. No amount of apology will give me any closure.”
Historical records reveal that captives from present-day Ghana and other West African regions were forcibly transported via inland trading routes to the coast, enduring long treks to slave forts such as Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle. In towns like Assin Manso, many took their “last bath” before the final transit to the coast and their journey across the Atlantic.
In regions across Ghana, including Central Ghana, discussions about ancestry remain fraught, with many younger individuals hesitant to explore their familial histories due to the stigma of servile ancestry.
As the debate over the sufficiency of apologies continues, it mirrors broader divisions within the global reparations movement. While some advocates believe formal acknowledgement is a crucial initial step, others assert that it carries little weight without actions that address the enduring legacies of slavery.
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, a principal figure behind the UN resolution, emphasized the need for the conversation to evolve beyond mere symbolism. He announced the establishment of three international bodies aimed at reparatory justice, cultural restitution, and legal affairs.
For many, the quest for justice transcends official statements. “We’ve suffered loss of identity,” one participant remarked. “They can keep their apology and provide what is morally owed, alongside compensation.”
