Hon. Ablakwa Advances Landmark Dialogue on Reparatory Justice at CHOGM 2026

Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, held a landmark bilateral meeting with the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Rt. Hon. Ed Miliband MP. Convened on the margins of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda, the high-level talks focused on advancing the establishment of a Structured Dialogue on Reparatory Justice. Both ministers welcomed the significant strides made so far and underscored their shared commitment to finalizing the parameters and modalities of the dialogue before the end of 2026.

​A central outcome of the discussions was agreement on the leadership structure for the proposed twelve-month process, which will feature African and Caribbean Co-Chairs. Notably, Ghana has successfully secured consensus within the African Union (AU) to assume the African Co-Chair position. Over the course of the upcoming year, substantive discussions are set to encompass a broad and transformative agenda, including historical justice, education, cultural restitution, climate justice, debt sustainability, and systemic reform of the international financial architecture.

​Beyond reparatory justice, the bilateral agenda tackled long-standing cultural and diplomatic priorities between the two nations. The ministers addressed the future of sacred Asante cultural artefacts currently held in the custody of the British Museum, while also reviewing bilateral security cooperation and reviewing outstanding issues surrounding the UK’s IELTS requirements for Ghanaian nationals. These discussions reaffirm the enduring partnership between Ghana and the United Kingdom as they work toward shared peace and mutual progress.

​This progress builds directly upon the monumental impact of the Ghana-led UN resolution declaring transatlantic enslavement as the gravest crime against humanity. As President Mahama highlighted, Ghana commends UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s historic declaration opening the door to a formal apology and good-faith dialogue regarding Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade. By acknowledging historical truths, Prime Minister Burnham and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband have demonstrated remarkable moral courage and leadership, proving that true strength lies in humility and the pursuit of truth.

​Ghana, alongside its allies in the African Union, CARICOM, and the broader global coalition, stands ready to navigate this consequential journey toward genuine healing, restitution, and structural repair. Ghana also extends a warm welcome to European partners who abstained during the landmark UN vote to join this inclusive effort. Ultimately, this emerging dialogue represents more than diplomatic consensus it marks a vital step toward creating a world free from racism, discrimination, and historical inequality, with reparatory justice emerging as the true victor.

@Volta Today