Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has urged the international community to intensify efforts toward reparatory justice, arguing that momentum generated by the recent United Nations resolution on enslaved Africans must now translate into tangible action.

Addressing delegates at the high-level "Next Steps" Conference on Reparatory Justice in Accra on Thursday, June 18, Mr. Ablakwa said the global reparations movement has moved beyond symbolic recognition and is beginning to yield meaningful results.

He noted that the UN resolution has created a strong foundation for advancing the reparatory justice agenda and has already contributed to notable gains in international advocacy and engagement.

According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, the Accra gathering represents a critical opportunity for world leaders, policymakers, academics and advocates to shape the next phase of efforts aimed at addressing the enduring consequences of slavery and colonial exploitation.

Mr. Ablakwa stressed the need for stronger international collaboration, urging participants to pursue a unified strategy that moves discussions beyond acknowledgement of historical wrongs toward practical solutions and policy interventions.

He said greater cooperation among nations and institutions would be essential in developing effective frameworks capable of confronting the social, economic and developmental impacts that continue to stem from centuries of injustice.

The minister also reflected on Ghana's unique place in the reparatory justice conversation, pointing to the country's historical connection to the transatlantic slave trade through the numerous forts and castles that line its coastline.

He said Ghana is now embracing a different role—one centred on reconciliation, healing and global leadership in the pursuit of justice for people of African descent.

Mr. Ablakwa observed that expectations surrounding the conference are high, with many across the world looking to the gathering for clear direction and practical outcomes that can strengthen the global reparations movement.

He expressed confidence that the calibre of leaders and experts assembled in Accra would provide the vision and leadership needed to advance the agenda and chart a meaningful path forward.

"The world is looking to this conference for leadership, vision and action," he said, adding that the responsibility now rests on participants to transform growing international support for reparatory justice into lasting and impactful change.