Government Calls for Reparatory Justice and Reforms to Reshape Africa’s Future

The Coordinating Director/Multilateral and International Organisations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Perpetua Dufu, on behalf of the President, has called for reparatory justice, political reforms, and inclusive democracy to reshape Africa’s future.

She made this call during the closing ceremony of the 13th High-Level Dialogue on Democracy and Human Rights on Wednesday in Accra.

She outlined key resolutions from the two-day forum, which included discussions on colonial injustices, youth engagement, and governance reforms.

“We did not gather here to repeat old promises or dwell on frustrations; this dialogue was about urgency, intention, and action,” she added.

Madam Dufu commended the Delegates of the dialogue for issuing a joint communique to back the creation of a permanent African Union (AU) body on reparatory justice, including a committee of experts to lead continental efforts.

“We have engaged in thoughtful discussions regarding the lingering impact of colonial exploitation, enslavement, and systemic racism, and we recognize how these traumas continue to influence our institutions, economies, and civic landscapes,” she said.

She urged leaders to turn dialogue into tangible change for the development of the African continent.

“Africa’s future is not inherited. It is built through collective work; we must move from memory to action, grounded in equity, truth, and justice,” she added.

The forum also addressed democratic reforms and noted the need for governments to protect free speech, press freedom, and youth participation.

Civil society and diaspora groups were recognized as crucial partners in shaping Africa’s future.

The 2025 African Governance Report and the State of CSOs in Africa were launched during the event to guide policy decisions and legislative actions across the continent.

Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD