On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the ongoing national debate over reparatory justice took a sharp personal turn as the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, fired a stinging rebuttal at the Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
The exchange follows the successful passage of President John Dramani Mahama’s landmark resolution at the UN on March 25, which declared the slave trade the "gravest crime against humanity".
The "Easter Education" Jab
Responding to criticisms from the Minority Leader regarding the feasibility and focus of the reparations agenda, Ablakwa urged his colleague to seek "expert" advice from within his own party:
“I have only one message for Alexander Afenyo-Markin: he should pay a visit to former President Nana Akufo-Addo this Easter so he can educate him on reparatory justice.” — Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
Ablakwa pointed out that former President Akufo-Addo had actually been a vocal advocate for reparations during his tenure, even hosting the Accra Reparations Conference in 2023. He suggested that Afenyo-Markin’s current opposition contradicts the groundwork laid by the previous NPP administration.
The Context of the Debate
The friction stems from the Minority's skepticism about the "National Reset" of Ghana's foreign policy, which has placed reparations at the forefront of the global stage:
The UN Victory: Ablakwa recently returned from New York after securing 123 votes in favor of the reparations motion, a feat he described as a "historic turning point" for the African continent.
Minority Concerns: Afenyo-Markin has questioned whether the focus on historical reparations might distract from current economic challenges, urging a more "forward-looking" approach to trade and development.
The "Akufo-Addo Legacy": Ablakwa argued that by opposing the motion, the Minority Leader is essentially "disowning" the legacy of Nana Akufo-Addo, who served as a pioneer in the early stages of the reparations movement.
Status of the Reparations Agenda (March 2026)
| Milestone | Status | Key Figure |
| UN General Assembly Vote | Passed (123-3) | Pres. John Mahama. |
| AU Champion on Reparations | Active | Pres. John Mahama. |
| Decade of Reparations | 2026–2036 | Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. |
| Accra Global Conference | Earmarked for Nov 2026 | AU Coordination Team. |
"Reparatory justice is not a partisan issue; it is a Ghanaian and African dignity issue. If the Minority Leader is confused, the man who sat in his seat before him can provide the answers." — Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
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