“We should learn to accept our wrongs and forgive each other" - Odododiodio MP
- Think News Online
- Mar 31
- 2 min read
The Member of Parliament for Odododiodio, Alfred Nii Ashie Kotey, has underscored the need for Africans to embrace forgiveness, self-reflection, and unity as key pillars in ongoing discussions on reparatory justice and the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
Speaking on the broader implications of the global push for reparations, the MP acknowledged that while the international community has begun to admit its role in the historical injustices of slavery, Africans must also confront their own past and take responsibility where necessary.
According to him, genuine progress cannot be achieved solely through external recognition and compensation, but must also be driven by an internal process of healing—one that involves accepting past wrongs, forgiving one another, and working collectively towards rebuilding a strong and unified continent.
Mr. Kotey stressed that the call for reparations is not merely about financial gain, but also about restoring dignity and correcting the deep psychological damage inflicted on Africans over centuries.
He noted that slavery and colonialism entrenched a sense of inferiority among Black people, distorting identity and self-worth.
However, he pointed out that evidence of African excellence across the world challenges that narrative, as Africans continue to compete and excel in education, innovation, and professional fields globally.
He therefore urged a conscious effort to break free from what he described as “mental slavery,” encouraging Africans to redefine their identity, rebuild confidence, and reposition themselves as equals on the global stage.
Drawing inspiration from the ideals of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the MP called for a renewed commitment to pan-African unity and identity, emphasizing that reclaiming and rebranding the African narrative is essential to securing respect, equality, and meaningful inclusion in global affairs.
He concluded that unity, introspection, and a shared vision for the future will be critical in ensuring that the gains made in the global reparations discourse translate into tangible benefits for Africans and people of African descent worldwide.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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