Ga Mantse reaffirms call for reparations at Diaspora Summit 2025

His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, has renewed Africa’s call for reparations while openly acknowledging the complex historical role some African traditional authorities played in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

Speaking at the opening of the Diaspora Summit 2025 in Accra, the Ga Mantse described the gathering as a historic moment of reflection, unity and purpose for Africa and its global diaspora.

He expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for the invitation and praised him for his leadership in championing reparations and racial justice on the global stage.

According to the Ga Mantse, Ghana’s establishment of the Global Office for Reparations underscores the country’s moral commitment to pursuing historical redress and global justice for Africans and people of African descent.

He reiterated that the African Diaspora, recognised by the African Union as the continent’s Sixth Region and by Ghana as its 17th Region, remains an inseparable part of Africa’s story.

He stressed that millions of Africans who were forcibly uprooted during the slave trade endured immense brutality yet remained resilient across centuries.

Describing the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade as one of the greatest crimes against humanity, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II noted that over 12.5 million Africans were forcibly removed from their homelands, with enduring economic, social and psychological consequences that continue to affect nations on both sides of the Atlantic.

In a rare and candid admission, the Ga Mantse acknowledged that some African kings, chiefs and intermediaries were complicit in aspects of the slave trade.

Speaking on behalf of traditional leadership in the ancient Ga State and in solidarity with custodians of African heritage, he expressed regret and apologised for any roles played by their forebears.

He emphasised that acknowledging this painful truth strengthens, rather than weakens, Africa’s demand for reparations, adding that genuine justice and reconciliation must be grounded in honesty and shared accountability.

The Ga Mantse cautioned that the global reparations agenda is complex and will require sustained diplomacy, legal expertise and continental unity.

However, he expressed optimism, citing the leadership of Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah at the Global Office for Reparations as a critical asset in advancing the cause from rhetoric to international recognition.

He further noted that reparations go beyond financial compensation and must include the restoration of dignity and identity, the return of stolen artefacts, economic restructuring, truth-telling and healing for African peoples.

Addressing members of the diaspora, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to welcoming them home as family, not visitors, describing their return as the restoration of a circle broken by history.

He concluded by calling for unity among Africa and its diaspora, urging stakeholders to pursue the reparations journey as one anchored in truth, justice, healing and collective responsibility.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith