President John Mahama has thrown his full weight behind the African Union's declaration of 2025 as the Year of Justice for Africans and people of African descent, urging continental unity in the pursuit of meaningful reparations.  

Serving as the AU's appointed champion for the reparations cause, President Mahama yesterday delivered a video message to mark Africa Day 2025, emphasising that the time had come for concrete action to address historical wrongs.  

"The wounds of slavery, colonialism and neo-colonial exploitation continue to fester in our societies," President Mahama said. 

"This year, we move beyond talk to substantive reparatory justice that acknowledges these crimes and begins the healing process, he added."  

The President clarified that the reparations campaign extends far beyond financial compensation, outlining a comprehensive framework for redress.

He called for formal apologies from nations and institutions complicit in Africa's exploitation, describing this as the foundational step in the justice process. 

President Mahama particularly highlighted the need to address Africa's unsustainable debt burdens, which he characterised as a lingering consequence of colonial-era economic models and unfair trade practices. 

"How can we prosper when we remain shackled by debts that often reflect historical injustices rather than sound economics?" he questioned.  

Stolen artefacts

The repatriation of Africa's stolen cultural artefacts featured prominently in the address, with President Mahama insisting that "our heritage cannot remain captive in foreign museums while we celebrate Africa Day."

He proposed establishing continental mechanisms to facilitate the return and preservation of these cultural treasures.  
President Mahama said education had emerged as another critical pillar of the reparations agenda.

"We must invest in telling our own story accurately and completely," President Mahama urged, calling for curriculum reforms and research initiatives that properly document Africa's history and contributions to human civilisation.  

In his capacity as Champion of the AU's Reparations initiative, President Mahama called for a united front across the continent and diaspora.

"From government offices to grassroots organisations, from elders to youth, we all have roles to play in this historic campaign," he said. 

Roadmap

The President's message comes as the AU finalises its reparations roadmap, which is expected to be presented at the upcoming summit of heads of state.

Civil society groups across Africa have already begun mobilising support for the 2025 justice campaign, with plans for coordinated advocacy and public education initiatives. 

As Africa commemorates the 62nd anniversary of the OAU's founding, President Mahama's address seeks reinvigorated discussions about continental unity and the pursuit of historical justice.

"Let 2025 be remembered as the year Africa stood together for the justice we deserve," President Mahama said.