Political science scholar Prof. Ransford Edward Van Gyampo has questioned the growing calls for reparations, arguing that Ghana must first address internal governance challenges before making such demands on the international stage.

Speaking on the issue, Prof. Gyampo said he often engages his students in discussions about reparations. According to him, when asked whether such calls are justified, students critically assess Ghana’s development trajectory since independence and often conclude that the argument lacks strong grounding.

He noted that many students are quick to dismiss the idea, citing persistent issues that have plagued the country over the years, including economic mismanagement, corruption, and inefficient governance systems—factors they believe have had a greater impact on development than historical injustices alone.

Prof. Gyampo used a popular metaphor to describe his stance, calling Ghana “a nation that is noted for fetching water with baskets.” He explained that this reflects the country’s struggle to retain and effectively utilise its own resources, adding that without addressing these challenges, any reparations received would likely be wasted.

He further stressed that calls for reparations, without strong governance reforms, risk becoming superficial political rhetoric rather than a meaningful development strategy. “Until we block all the leakages and slippages,” he noted, “and demonstrate the political will to deal decisively with corruption, such calls will remain a waste of time.”

The academic also criticised some political leaders for advocating reparations without first putting internal systems in order. He advised that if the government is serious about reparations, it should begin by strengthening accountability and ensuring transparency in public resource management.

Referencing former President Nana Akufo-Addo, Prof. Gyampo urged that his administration should have done “its homework” by addressing governance inefficiencies.

He emphasised that the effectiveness of any additional financial inflows—whether from reparations or other sources—depends on how well the country manages its existing resources.

He also raised concerns about tax policies and public financial management, arguing that increasing taxes alone is not a solution if underlying inefficiencies remain unaddressed.

According to him, funds collected through taxation must be properly utilised, or they risk being lost to corruption and mismanagement.

Prof. Gyampo noted that Ghana already possesses significant natural resources, including oil and other economic assets, which should be sufficient to drive development if properly harnessed. He maintained that the core issue is not resource availability, but how those resources are managed.

He warned that pursuing reparations under current conditions could end up benefiting a few individuals in power while leaving ordinary citizens worse off. Without strong accountability systems, he argued, additional funds could be diverted or misused.

In conclusion, Prof. Gyampo said Ghana must first demonstrate a firm commitment to good governance, transparency, and efficient resource management before joining global calls for reparations. Only then, he added, can such demands be meaningful and beneficial to the wider population.

His remarks contribute to the ongoing debate on reparations and historical justice, while underscoring the need for internal reforms as a foundation for sustainable development.