Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Ransford Gyampo, has pushed back against criticism over his remarks on reparations following John Dramani Mahama’s recent engagement at the United Nations.
In a Facebook post, Prof. Gyampo dismissed what he described as “nation-wrecking propaganda,” explaining that his comments—now circulating online—were taken out of context from a broader television discussion on Key Points.
He noted that his remarks were made within an academic and policy framework, drawing from teachings at the University of Ghana, where African development strategies are critically examined.
According to him, while the Transatlantic Slave Trade—now widely recognised as a grave crime against humanity—provides a legitimate basis for reparations, such efforts must be matched with internal reforms across African states.
“The call for reparations would be meaningless if we do not address corruption, waste, and negative attitudes that continue to undermine development,” he stressed.
Prof. Gyampo clarified that his position does not dismiss reparations, but rather underscores the need for accountability and attitudinal change to ensure any potential benefits are not squandered.
He also commended President Mahama for what he described as an unprecedented diplomatic achievement in securing global recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as one of the gravest crimes against humanity.
Prof. Gyampo expressed optimism that the government’s reset agenda could help tackle corruption and drive the mindset shift needed to maximise the benefits of any future reparations, adding that attempts to misrepresent his views would not diminish the significance of the milestone.
