President Mahama backs Kwesi Pratt's call for African reparations

President John Dramani Mahama has underscored the importance of reparations in restoring justice and dignity to Africa, as he joined the launch of a new book by journalist and Pan-Africanist Kwesi Pratt Jnr.

The book, “Reparations: The History, Struggle, Politics and Law,” was launched in Accra on September 9, 2025, with support from the Pan-African Progressive Front (PPF).

President Mahama, who wrote the foreword, described reparations as a matter of justice rather than charity.

“Reparation is not a charity; it is justice, and it must be visible,” he said.

Kwesi Pratt Jr shares light on how urgently Africa deserves reparations from the West

The publication, which was also presented at the African Union Summit in Malabo in July 2025, outlines facts, figures, and strategies for advancing the reparations agenda.

It estimates the debt owed to Africa in trillions of dollars, including between $2 and $3 trillion for the unpaid labour of enslaved Africans, $4 to $6 trillion for colonial exploitation, $500 billion for debt cancellation, $50 billion for stolen artefacts, and $1 trillion for climate reparations.

At the launch, Kwesi Pratt called for reparations to be seen not only as compensation for past crimes but as part of restructuring global systems.

“Reparation is not simply compensation for past crimes; it is about restructuring the world, redistributing surplus value, and removing the inequality rooted in the colonial era,” he said.

The book, targeted at activists, students, and young Africans, has already received strong reviews, including recognition at a recent experts’ forum in Johannesburg.

SSD/MA