Historical Injustices Against Africans Must Be Addressed Through Informed Dialogue – President Mahama

Historical injustices against people of African descent arising from colonial domination and the transatlantic slave trade must be addressed through informed dialogue and international cooperation.

President John Dramani Mahama made this call in his conferment address after receiving an honorary doctorate from Russia’s Peoples’ Friendship University (RUDN University) in Moscow.

President Mahama said contemporary African leaders had a responsibility to translate the aspirations of earlier generations into practical outcomes that improve the lives of their people.

“Our responsibility as present-day African leaders is to give practical expression to that aspiration of our forebears,” he said.

He explained that this responsibility should be reflected in the quality of schools, the strength of institutions and the opportunities available to young people across the continent.

The President also called on universities to contribute to the process by preserving historical memory, conducting rigorous research and providing the freedom to examine difficult truths.

“Universities have an important contribution to make through rigorous scholarship, the preservation of historical memory, and the freedom to examine difficult truths,” he said.

President Mahama’s remarks connected the legacy of colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade to the broader need for international cooperation in addressing historical injustices.

He urged African leaders to pursue the ideals of dignity and independence through policies and institutions that enable their people to shape their societies, develop their economies and live with honour.

Richard Aniagyei, ISD