Breaking News! President Mahama appoints Dr. Spio-Garbrah as special envoy for reparations to strengthen global reparations push:
President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah as Special Envoy for Reparations, signaling Ghana’s renewed commitment to advocating for reparations for slavery and colonial exploitation.
Announced this week, the appointment positions Dr. Spio-Garbrah to lead Ghana’s advocacy efforts within Africa and the diaspora, aimed at mobilizing support, building partnerships, and shaping policies to address historical injustices suffered by Africans and people of African descent.
Dr. Spio-Garbrah brings extensive experience in international diplomacy, governance, and development to the role. He previously served as Ghana’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Minister of Education, and Ambassador to the United States and Mexico. He also held a senior position at the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) and worked with the African Development Bank (AfDB).
As Trade and Industry Minister, Dr. Spio-Garbrah promoted industrialization, supported small and medium enterprises, and facilitated trade agreements to expand Ghana’s exports. His education reforms strengthened tertiary education governance and expanded access.
As Special Envoy for Reparations, Dr. Spio-Garbrah is expected to leverage his international network and diplomatic expertise to collaborate with African governments, the African Union (AU), CARICOM, and global advocacy groups to advance Africa’s case for reparations.
The reparations agenda has seen increased global attention, with African leaders calling for restitution and reparative justice for centuries of exploitation under slavery and colonial rule.
President Mahama, a vocal advocate for Pan-African solidarity, described the appointment as a strategic step to ensure Ghana remains a leading voice in the global movement for reparative justice.
“Dr. Spio-Garbrah’s wealth of experience in international relations and his longstanding commitment to Africa’s development make him well-suited to lead Ghana’s contribution to this crucial global conversation,” President Mahama stated.
