Political strategist and founder of Africa Prosperity Network (APN), Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, has publicly criticised UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch over her comments opposing calls for slavery reparations, warning that her position risks alienating Black voters and missing an opportunity for constructive engagement.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Otchere-Darko said he was “disappointed” in Badenoch, adding that many Black British conservatives may share similar concerns.
Historical role
The remarks come after Badenoch criticised a vote at the United Nations in which countries including Russia, China and Iran backed calls for reparations linked to the transatlantic slave trade.
She questioned why the UK government did not oppose the move, arguing that Britain had played a leading role in ending slavery and should not be held financially responsible.
Otchere-Darko acknowledged Britain’s historical role in abolishing slavery, referencing the work of figures such as William Wilberforce and the passage of the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 under Charles Grey. However, he noted that compensation at the time was paid to slave owners rather than the enslaved.
He argued that this history should not be used to justify a defensive stance in current debates.
“That history should not be used to retreat into old positions. It should be a platform for new leadership thinking,” he wrote.
Unique opportunity
Otchere-Darko suggested that Badenoch, as the first Black leader of the Conservative Party, was uniquely positioned to help shape a modern response to the issue — one focused less on reparations and more on long-term economic partnerships with Africa.
He said Britain could instead prioritise investment in Africa’s development, trade and regional integration, framing it as a mutually beneficial approach that reflects both historical responsibility and future interests.
“The real question today is not about relitigating the past, but about how Britain chooses to engage its legacy,” he added.
He also warned that the tone of the debate could affect the Conservative Party’s appeal among Britain’s growing Black middle class.
Background
The United Nations passed a historic resolution introduced by Ghana that labels slavery “a grave human rights violation.”
This was with 123 votes in favour.
The decision referred to the enslavement of about 12 million Africans and their descendants through the transatlantic slave trade. It is seen as a key step toward official apologies, the restitution of cultural artifacts, and reparations.
The United States was among the three countries that voted ‘no’, citing concerns about the resolution’s language and potential legal implications.
Credit: Asaase
