Mahama Urges African Unity and Reparations Progress During London Address

President John Mahama has urged African countries to deepen cooperation, advance reparatory justice efforts and strengthen continental integration, arguing that Africa’s future prosperity depends on unity and collective action.

President John Dramani Mahama has warned state-owned enterprise leaders that failure to submit audited accounts and annual reports by April 2026 could result in sanctions. — President John Mahama speaking during a public engagement

Ghanaian president urges African nations to deepen cooperation, advance reparations efforts and remove barriers to movement across the continent

LONDON, United Kingdom — Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has called on African countries to renew their commitment to Pan-Africanism, arguing that deeper continental cooperation is essential for economic development, political influence and progress on reparatory justice.

Speaking during a town hall meeting with members of the Ghanaian diaspora in London, Mahama said African nations must strengthen unity and work collectively to address shared challenges, including economic integration, mobility, trade and historical injustices linked to the transatlantic slave trade.

The remarks came during the second day of the president’s five-day official visit to the United Kingdom.

“We’ve always pushed for African unity,” Mahama told attendees. “There’s no way that any African country can achieve the kind of progress it needs without working with other countries.”

At a Town Hall Meeting in London, President John Dramani Mahama engaged with members of the Ghanaian community in the United Kingdom, reaffirming government’s commitment to accountability, inclusive governance, and national development.

He indicated that the engagement formed… pic.twitter.com/zAi46ZxJZu
— Ghana Presidency (@GhanaPresidency) May 31, 2026

Pan-Africanism and Economic Integration

Mahama said Africa’s long-term development would depend on closer cooperation among nations across the continent, highlighting the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in promoting economic growth and reducing barriers to trade. He argued that greater integration would enable Africans to invest, work and conduct business more easily across borders, creating larger markets and expanding economic opportunities.

The president also reiterated support for increased freedom of movement among African states, describing mobility as an important component of continental integration. Recent reforms introduced by Ghana, including visa-free entry for holders of African passports and the expansion of electronic visa services, were cited as examples of measures intended to improve connectivity and reduce travel barriers.

Reparations Campaign Gains Momentum

A significant portion of Mahama’s address focused on reparations and restorative justice, an issue that has gained increasing prominence within the African Union and among African diaspora communities worldwide. Mahama, who serves as the African Union Champion for Reparations and Restorative Justice, said recent diplomatic efforts had helped secure broader international recognition of the historical impact of slavery and colonial exploitation.

He pointed to support at the United Nations for a resolution recognising the transatlantic slave trade as a grave crime against humanity and said African leaders must now focus on what practical steps should follow.

According to Mahama, discussions on reparatory justice are expected to continue through a forthcoming international conference bringing together representatives from Africa, the Caribbean and the wider African diaspora. “The next question is: what comes after recognition?” he said, referring to ongoing efforts to advance the reparations agenda.

Diaspora Engagement

The president also highlighted the role of the African diaspora in shaping the continent’s future, describing overseas communities as important partners in investment, knowledge transfer and development.

Addressing Ghanaians living in the United Kingdom, he said governments across Africa should seek stronger engagement with citizens abroad and create systems that make it easier for them to contribute to national development. The town hall formed part of a wider programme of engagements with Ghanaian communities in Britain during Mahama’s official visit.

Wider Significance

Mahama’s comments come at a time when debates over African integration, migration, trade and reparatory justice are receiving increased attention across the continent. The African Continental Free Trade Area, which came into force in 2021, is widely regarded as one of the world’s largest free-trade initiatives by participating countries. Advocates argue that its success depends on deeper cooperation among African states and improved movement of people, goods and services.

At the same time, calls for reparations linked to slavery and colonialism have gained momentum internationally, with African and Caribbean leaders increasingly seeking coordinated approaches to the issue. For Ghana, which has positioned itself as a leading advocate of Pan-African cooperation and diaspora engagement, the themes outlined during Mahama’s London address remain central to its broader foreign policy objectives.

Reporting by Edem Hodasi