Accra: Former Member of Parliament for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, George Mireku Duker, has criticized Ransford Gyampo, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, for what he perceives as hypocrisy regarding Gyampo's evolving stance on reparations from the West for the transatlantic slave trade.
According to Ghana Web, Duker expressed his concerns during an interview on Peace FM's Kokrokoo, highlighting Gyampo's changing views on reparations. Duker pointed out that while Gyampo previously dismissed the necessity of compensation for Ghana, he now lauds former President John Dramani Mahama's advocacy for reparations as unprecedented. Duker questioned the consistency of Gyampo's opinions, recalling Gyampo's earlier argument that corruption would impede Ghana from benefiting from any reparation funds.
Meanwhile, Professor Gyampo has addressed these criticisms, stating that his comments have been misinterpreted. In a Facebook post, he referred to the critiques as "nation-wrecking propaganda" and clarified that his previous remarks were part of a broader discussion on TV3's Key Points. Gyampo explained that he analyzed reparations within a larger academic framework, noting that for reparations to be effective, African countries must also address internal issues such as corruption and waste.
Gyampo emphasized that his intention was not to dismiss the call for reparations but to highlight the importance of ensuring accountability and fostering attitudinal change. He also praised President Mahama for achieving what he termed an "unprecedented" diplomatic accomplishment in gaining global recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as a grave crime against humanity.
On March 25, 2026, President Mahama secured a significant diplomatic success when the United Nations General Assembly passed a motion on reparations for the transatlantic slave trade. Under Ghana's leadership, the motion was adopted with 123 member states in favor, while the United States, Argentina, and Israel opposed it, and 52 nations abstained. The resolution calls for international commitment to reparative justice and urges UN member states to engage in meaningful dialogue and actions to address the lasting impacts of slavery.