By Hannah Dadzie
Ghana has reaffirmed its leadership in the global fight for reparatory justice with a strong call for unity, justice, and renewed African solidarity. This was highlighted during a flag-raising and tree-planting ceremony held in Accra to mark this year’s African Union Day.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Communications, Digitalisation and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, underscored Ghana’s trailblazing role in championing reparations for historical injustices suffered by Africans and people of African descent across the world. Mr. George urged African leaders to prioritise unity and cooperation to foster a more peaceful and prosperous future, and called on the international community to support Africa’s pursuit of justice.
“Our collective values of solidarity, unity, and unwavering determination have propelled us to this pivotal moment in our journey, and it is these same guiding principles that will carry us into a brighter future. We must strive to deepen regional integration, fostering stronger ties among nations, while also reinforcing democratic governance to ensure that every voice is heard and represented. Furthermore, we must earnestly reaffirm our pledge to silence the guns and end conflict on our continent,” He stated.
The 2025 African Union Day is being observed under the theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.” which was officially launched by President John Dramani Mahama at the AU Summit in Addis Ababa earlier this year. According to Mr. George, Ghana’s leadership in the reparations agenda predates the AU’s adoption of the theme.
He cited the pivotal roles played by former President Akufo-Addo, who served as the AU’s lead advocate for reparations, and Ghana’s hosting of the landmark Accra Reparations Conference in November 2023. The Minister noted that the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, apartheid, and systemic racism has left deep economic and psychological scars.
He stressed that Africa’s unity and cooperation are essential not only to achieving reparatory justice but also to realizing sustainable development across the continent. Mr George called on African leaders to harness the continent’s rich natural and human resources to build a future free from poverty and inequality.
The Communication Minister paid tribute to the founding fathers of the Organization of African Unity, whose vision of a liberated and united Africa, he said, remains as relevant today as it was in 1963.
“The flame ignited by these pioneers continues to shine brightly,” referencing Ghana’s own Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who was instrumental in championing Pan-Africanism,” He declared.
Reflecting on Africa’s recent challengesfrom economic pressures and climate change to conflict and governance gaps, Mr George highlighted the continent’s resilience. He called for deeper integration, stronger democratic institutions, and a renewed focus on peace and stability.
“We owe it to our people, especially the women and children of Africa, to create a continent free of violence and fear. Peace and stability serve as the solid foundation for sustainable development, we have a profound responsibility to our people, especially the women and children of Africa to cultivate a continent that is free from the shadows of violence and fear, allowing every individual to thrive in safety and dignity,” Mr George said.
“As we hoist the flag of the African Union and celebrate our shared commitment to unity and cooperation among member states, let it stand as a powerful symbol of our collective pride, unwavering purpose, and renewed commitment to shaping the Africa we envision; “THE AFRICA WE WANT, a continent that is peaceful, prosperous, and deeply integrated,” The Minister added.
Addressing the gathering, Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors, who is the
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, Imane Ouaadil, celebrated the continent’s rich diversity and shared heritage. She emphasised the need for a renewed commitment to unity.
“Africa is a continent full of similarities and contrasts. Comprising countries that are remarkably different in their geography yet similar in history and culture. It has vast human and natural resources that have the potential to eradicate poverty in prosperity for all. On Africa Day, let us celebrate our beautiful and culturally diverse continent while calling on our leaders to prioritize unity and cooperation to help lay the foundations for a more peaceful and prosperous future for all people in Africa,” The Ambassador said.
The AU Day ceremony was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with support from other agencies. It brought together members of the diplomatic corps, African ambassadors, and other dignitaries. Together, they raised the African Union flag and planted symbolic trees, a gesture of solidarity and commitment to a united, just, and peaceful Africa.
