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Macron’s presence at reparations conference ‘totally unacceptable’ – Kwesi Pratt
Veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the participation of French President Emmanuel Macron in the ongoing High-Level Consultative Conference on the next steps following the landmark United Nations resolution on the trafficking of enslaved Africans.
Speaking during a session on reparatory justice on the second day of the conference in Accra, Pratt argued that the gathering should focus on securing justice for Africans and people of African descent who suffered from slavery and colonial exploitation.
He said he found Macron’s presence at the conference “totally unacceptable,” insisting that the forum should not become a platform for what he described as hollow expressions of sympathy from countries and institutions linked to historical injustices against Africa.
According to Pratt, reparations must be understood as justice rather than charity. He maintained that the transatlantic slave trade was organised and supported by governments, companies, churches and institutions that benefited from the exploitation of Africans.
The veteran journalist argued that reparatory justice must go beyond apologies and compensation to include restitution, rehabilitation, institutional reforms, cultural restoration and educational correction.
He called on African governments and the African diaspora to ensure that the recent United Nations resolution becomes the foundation of a concrete international programme of action rather than a symbolic declaration.
Mr. Pratt also advocated the establishment of a permanent reparations mechanism involving the African Union, CARICOM, African states, legal experts, historians, economists and civil society organisations to coordinate the global campaign for reparatory justice.
He further called for legal action and research into states, companies, banks, churches and other institutions that participated in or profited from slavery and colonial exploitation, saying responsibility must be clearly established.
The journalist stressed the need for a global reparations education campaign to challenge narratives that portray Africa as poor and underdeveloped by destiny.
According to him, Africa’s present condition cannot be separated from centuries of slavery, colonialism and exploitation, which contributed to the wealth of industrialised nations.
Mr. Pratt maintained that reparations are not about begging but about correcting a historical injustice and addressing the lasting consequences of slavery and colonialism.
Despite what he described as political resistance to the reparations agenda, he expressed confidence that the campaign would succeed.
“We are not alone, and we are not begging. We are engaged in a struggle for justice,” he said, adding that nothing would stop the fight for reparatory justice.
The conference brought together African leaders, policymakers, academics, activists and members of the African diaspora to discuss practical steps for implementing the UN resolution and advancing the global reparations agenda.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer aspirant, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has vowed to challenge elements within the party in 2027, accusing some members of disrespecting him and spreading false information about his health.
Speaking in an interview on Net 2 TV yesterday, Mr. Agyapong said he continues to enjoy respect from many people both in Ghana and abroad despite what he described as efforts by some individuals within the NPP to damage his reputation.
He alleged that false claims had been made about him, including reports that he had undergone a head operation.
According to him, such comments were part of attempts to undermine him.
Mr. Agyapong warned members of the NPP to brace themselves for what he described as “action” in June or July 2027.
He said he would not be intimidated by those he believes have treated him unfairly within the party.
According to him, some people think he would return to support them despite the alleged attacks against him.
However, he maintained that he would not remain silent and would respond at the appropriate time.
“They should wait and see. I’m giving them the time that June 2027, they will see action in this country,” he said.
The former Assin Central Member of Parliament did not explain what specific action he intends to take but insisted that he is not afraid of those he believes are working against him.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer aspirant and Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, has called on party members to put aside their differences and unite behind the NPP’s 2028 presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
In a statement issued on June 19, 2026, Dr. Acheampong said the party’s main focus should be rebuilding and returning to power after its defeat in the 2024 general election.
He noted that he understands the disappointment that follows a closely contested primary, having also contested in the NPP’s January 2026 flagbearer race and lost.
“I speak to you today not as a bystander to our recent contest, but as one who stood in it,” he stated.
Dr. Acheampong expressed concern over recent comments made by former Assin Central MP and former NPP flagbearer aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong, including his threat to take action against the party and some individuals.
According to him, Mr. Agyapong remains an important figure within the NPP whose contributions, loyalty and influence cannot be questioned.
However, he appealed to him to help promote unity rather than deepen divisions within the party.
“It is for that very reason that I urge him, respectfully but firmly, to lower the temperature and to lend his considerable influence to the work of healing rather than division,” Dr. Acheampong said.
He acknowledged that some individuals associated with Dr. Bawumia’s campaign, as well as his own campaign, directed disrespectful comments and insults at Mr. Agyapong during and after the primary contest.
Dr. Acheampong said such conduct was unfortunate and should have been addressed more quickly by party elders.
However, he stressed that there is no evidence that Dr. Bawumia authorised or supported those attacks.
According to him, the individuals involved acted on personal grievances and their actions should not be attributed to the NPP flagbearer or the party as a whole.
He noted that harsh words were exchanged by people on different sides during the contest, including Mr. Agyapong and some of his supporters, but said those comments were made in the heat of the campaign.
Dr. Acheampong called on all parties to forgive one another and work towards reconciliation.
He emphasized that the focus should be on supporting Dr. Bawumia and strengthening the NPP ahead of the 2028 elections.
“Dr. Bawumia is now the candidate of all of us. He carries the mandate not only of those who voted for him, but of every member who voted for Ken, for me, and for the others who contested,” he said.
Dr. Acheampong appealed to Mr. Agyapong, their supporters and all party members to end internal disputes and work together for the party’s success.
He concluded by stating that unity remains the NPP’s best path to victory in the next general election.
“Unity is not weakness. Unity is how we win,” he said.
By: Jacob Aggrey
