Kwesi Pratt Jnr's Book on Reparations Reviewed by Onumah

Chido Onumah critically reviews Kwesi Pratt Jnr's book "Reparations: History, Struggle, Politics and Law," published in 2025. The review highlights Pratt's argument that reparations should not be viewed as charity or aid but as overdue justice stemming from historical exploitation, including slavery and colonialism.

Pratt situates reparations within a broader context of global power imbalances and critiques the current geopolitical order. He emphasizes that Africa's present is shaped by centuries of exploitation and that reparations must extend beyond financial compensation to include dignity, memory, and sovereignty.

The foreword by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama provides essential political context. The review also notes Pratt's long-standing involvement in pro-democracy activism and his role in various initiatives, including the West African Human Rights Committee.

Onumah expresses his enthusiasm for the book, which he believes is crucial for understanding the reparations discourse.