THE University of the West Indies (The UWI) hosted John Dramani Mahama, president of the Republic of Ghana recently, where he applauded The UWI’s unwavering leadership, and spotlighted its Centre for Reparation Research, now a beacon for global scholarship, policy innovation and public education on reparatory justice.

Mahama was at The UWI Regional Headquarters on August 3, during a landmark visit to the region, highlighting the deepening partnership between Africa and the Caribbean in advancing the global movement for reparatory justice.

His visit honoured the achievements of the reparations and broader Pan-African movements, and coincided with celebrations marking Jamaica’s 64th Independence. It was a powerful affirmation of The UWI’s internationally recognised leadership in scholarship, advocacy, and institution-building on issues of reparatory justice and Pan-African development.

For decades, The UWI has been a central force shaping the contemporary reparations movement through research, public engagement and policy leadership. Widely acknowledged as a principal institution responsible for moving reparatory justice from the margins of public discussion to the centre of regional and international diplomacy, the university has played a defining role in advancing the Caribbean’s case for justice and development.

During his visit, Mahama also celebrated Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles for steering Caricom’s reparations strategy, while highlighting the surging global momentum for recognition, accountability and redress for the crimes of chattel slavery and native genocide.

As an alumnus of the University of Ghana, a sister institution of The UWI, Mahama gave the visit deep symbolic meaning, reflecting enduring ties to regional higher education. Founded together in 1948, both universities share a legacy of championing intellectual growth and self-determination for formerly colonised peoples.

In welcoming President Mahama, Beckles commended the Ghanaian leader’s pivotal role in propelling reparatory justice onto the world stage, especially through his advocacy at the United Nations.

“President Mahama has provided courageous and visionary leadership in elevating the cause of reparatory justice within the global community,” Beckles said. “His efforts have helped secure unprecedented levels of international support for recognising chattel slavery as the gravest crime against humanity and have strengthened cooperation among nations committed to justice, development and human dignity.”

He also noted that recent developments at the United Nations represent a significant shift in global consciousness and political will and that these developments reflect growing solidarity among Caricom member states, the African Union, and nations across Latin America and Asia.

Calling President Mahama “a presidential leader of the movement”, Beckles underscored the vital partnership between African and Caribbean leaders in driving a united reparatory justice agenda. He also praised the leadership of Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, chair of the Caricom Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Reparations, for rallying international support.

The visit of the Ghanaian president reaffirmed The UWI’s unique position as a living bridge between Africa and the Caribbean, and as a leading intellectual force shaping global conversations on historical justice, sustainable development and human rights. As the call for reparatory justice echoes ever louder across the globe, The UWI stands steadfast in its commitment to world-class research, meaningful dialogue and evidence-based policies that uplift Caribbean peoples and the broader African diaspora.