President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah as Ghana’s Special Envoy for Reparations, as the country steps up its role in the global push for justice over slavery and colonial exploitation.

The appointment, announced this week, will see Dr Spio-Garbrah lead Ghana’s efforts to build alliances across Africa and the diaspora, as well as shape policy responses to address historic injustices suffered by Africans and people of African descent.

A former Minister of Trade and Industry and Education, Dr Spio-Garbrah has also served as Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States and Mexico. He brings decades of experience in diplomacy, economic development, and international relations to the new role.

He has previously worked with the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation in London and the African Development Bank, where he supported initiatives aimed at regional integration and economic growth.

As Trade Minister, he championed industrialisation and promoted small and medium enterprises, while his time at the Education Ministry included reforms to improve tertiary education access and governance.

In his new role, Dr Spio-Garbrah is expected to collaborate closely with African governments, the African Union (AU), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and global civil society groups to advance the continent’s call for reparations.

The reparations movement has gained momentum in recent years, with increasing demands from African leaders for restitution and formal acknowledgment of the lasting impact of slavery and colonialism.

President Mahama, a vocal supporter of Pan-Africanism, said the appointment underscores Ghana’s commitment to leading the international campaign for reparative justice.

“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,” he said.