President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah as Ghana’s Special Envoy for Reparations, reaffirming the nation’s dedication to advancing global advocacy for reparative justice in response to slavery and colonial exploitation.
The appointment, announced this week, mandates Dr. Spio-Garbrah to spearhead Ghana’s engagement across Africa and the diaspora—mobilising support, strengthening partnerships, and shaping policy frameworks to address historical injustices faced by Africans and people of African descent.
A seasoned diplomat and statesman
Dr. Spio-Garbrah brings a distinguished record in governance, diplomacy, and international development. He has served as Minister of Trade and Industry, Minister of Education, and Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States and Mexico.
Beyond his government service, he held senior roles with the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) in London and the African Development Bank (AfDB), where he contributed to programmes that promoted regional integration and economic growth.
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As Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Spio-Garbrah championed industrialisation, supported small and medium enterprises, and facilitated trade policies that enhanced Ghana’s export competitiveness. His tenure as Education Minister also brought reforms aimed at improving tertiary education governance and accessibility.
Driving Africa’s reparations agenda
In his new role, Dr. Spio-Garbrah will leverage his diplomatic expertise and international networks to coordinate efforts with African governments, the African Union (AU), CARICOM, and global advocacy bodies to consolidate Africa’s collective push for reparations.
The global reparations movement has gained significant traction in recent years, with increasing demands from African and Caribbean leaders for restitution and justice for centuries of enslavement and colonial exploitation.
A strategic appointment
President Mahama, known for his Pan-African advocacy, described the appointment as a strategic move to ensure Ghana remains at the forefront of the global reparations discourse.
“Dr. Spio-Garbrah’s wealth of experience in international relations and his unwavering commitment to Africa’s progress make him ideally suited to lead Ghana’s contribution to this important global effort,” President Mahama stated.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem