Ghana’s renewed push for reparatory justice has received international recognition following the honouring of the country’s Presidential Special Envoy for Reparations, Ambassador Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, by two Europe-based organisations advocating for the rights and interests of people of African descent.

The Europe Pan African Forum for People of African Descent (EPAF-PAD) and the National Reparations Commission Netherlands (NARECO NL) jointly presented Spio-Garbrah with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of what they described as his sustained contribution to Pan-African development and the global pursuit of reparatory justice.

The recognition was presented on August 9, 2026, in The Hague, Netherlands, under the guiding principle “Nothing About Us Without Us.” The ceremony formed part of activities associated with the 25th anniversary commemoration of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, a framework that has remained significant in international discussions on racism, racial discrimination and the rights of people of African descent.

The organisers cited Ambassador Spio-Garbrah’s commitment, leadership and contribution to efforts seeking justice, restoration and human dignity for people of African descent across the world.

His work was also recognised in the broader context of efforts to promote sustainable development and build what the organisations described as a more just and equitable future for present and succeeding generations.

The honour comes as Ghana seeks to strengthen its position in the international reparations debate and deepen engagement with African-descendant communities and organisations outside the continent.

The country has increasingly sought to place the historical consequences of slavery, colonialism and racial discrimination within broader conversations about justice, restitution, recognition and development.

Spio-Garbrah’s appointment as Ghana’s Presidential Special Envoy for Reparations has provided a formal platform for the country to pursue these issues at the international level. His engagements in Europe have included outreach to organisations representing people of African descent and discussions around strengthening cooperation on the reparations agenda.

The latest recognition in The Hague therefore represents more than an individual award, with the organisations presenting it as an acknowledgement of Ghana’s contribution to the wider international movement for reparatory justice.

The “Nothing About Us Without Us” principle that guided the recognition also places emphasis on the direct participation of people of African descent in decisions and initiatives concerning their history, rights and future.

For Ghana, the recognition could further strengthen its engagement with European reparations organisations and other stakeholders in the African Diaspora. It also provides an opportunity for the country to build alliances around the international campaign for historical recognition and reparatory action.

The organisations said the honour should provide additional impetus for cooperation between Ghana, European reparations groups, the African Diaspora and other international stakeholders working to advance recognition, repair, justice, restitution and reparatory measures.

The development also follows the broader efforts to position itself as a central meeting point for conversations involving Africa and the African Diaspora.

The country’s historical links to the transatlantic slave trade, including its coastal forts and castles that served as major points in the trafficking of enslaved Africans, have made it a significant location for discussions about the historical legacy of slavery and its continuing consequences.

Against this background, the recognition of Ghana’s Special Envoy in The Hague is likely to add further visibility to the country’s diplomatic efforts on reparations and strengthen calls for international cooperation on the issue.