By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada | August,2026
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, has defended the Church of England’s £100 million reparations fund during her historic visit to Ghana, describing the initiative as a moral commitment to acknowledge and respond to the Church’s historical links to the transatlantic slave trade.
The remarks came during her visit to Cape Coast Castle, one of West Africa’s most significant slave forts, where millions of Africans passed through the infamous “Door of No Return” before being transported across the Atlantic into slavery. The visit formed part of her first official pastoral tour of Ghana since becoming Archbishop of Canterbury earlier this year.
A Historic Visit to Ghana
Archbishop Mullally’s visit to Ghana included meetings with President John Dramani Mahama, Anglican bishops, traditional leaders, church members and students, as well as worship services and community engagements across the country.
Her visit is viewed as an important step in strengthening the long-standing relationship between the Church of England and the Anglican Church of Ghana, while also addressing difficult aspects of their shared history.
Why the Reparations Fund Matters
The Church of England announced the £100 million fund after research found that one of its historic investment bodies had profited from companies involved in the transatlantic slave trade.
The fund is intended to support initiatives that promote economic opportunity, education, community development and projects benefiting communities affected by the legacy of slavery. Church leaders have stressed that the money is not designed as direct compensation to individuals but as a long-term investment in restorative justice.
Archbishop Defends the Initiative
Responding to criticism of the reparations programme, Archbishop Mullally said the initiative is rooted in Christian values of repentance, justice and reconciliation.
She argued that acknowledging historical wrongdoing is an important part of healing and building stronger relationships between nations and communities affected by centuries of injustice.
The Archbishop emphasized that confronting history honestly allows institutions to move forward with greater integrity and a renewed commitment to human dignity.
Mixed Reactions
The reparations fund has generated debate both within the United Kingdom and internationally.
Supporters say the Church has a moral responsibility to confront its historical involvement in slavery and invest in communities that continue to experience its long-term effects.
Critics, however, have questioned the size of the fund, how it will be administered and whether the Church should allocate such significant financial resources to reparative programmes.
Ghana’s Historical Significance
Ghana occupies a central place in the history of the transatlantic slave trade, with sites such as Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle serving as major departure points for enslaved Africans.
Today, these sites are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and attract visitors from around the world, particularly members of the African diaspora seeking to reconnect with their ancestral history.
The Archbishop’s visit to Cape Coast Castle underscored the continuing importance of remembering this painful history while promoting reconciliation and mutual understanding.
Looking Ahead
As discussions about historical justice and reparations continue around the world, the Church of England’s initiative is likely to remain a significant topic within religious, political and academic circles.
Archbishop Mullally’s visit to Ghana highlights the growing emphasis on dialogue, historical accountability and partnership between faith communities in Africa and the United Kingdom.
GhanaianNewsCanada will continue to follow developments on issues affecting Ghana, the African diaspora and international relations.
