Ghana News

‘Words Aren’t Reparations’: Pan-Africanist Shanell R Oliver Demands Catholic Church Unburden ‘Ill-Gotten’ Wealth From 400 Years of Enslaving Africans

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3 seconds ago

June 5, 2026

A viral video by a Pan-African blogger is urging the Catholic Church to move beyond apologies and pay financial reparations for its documented role in authorizing and profiting from the enslavement of African people for centuries.

Shanell R Oliver, a social commentator whose video has trended across multiple platforms, argues that the Church’s leadership sanctioned the transatlantic slave trade for approximately 400 years, accumulating “tens of trillions of dollars” from the European nations it empowered to traffic, brand, chain, and destroy African lives. She asserts that the only credible apology is not words but the “unburdening of ill-gotten wealth.”

“It wasn’t theology. It was money. It’s always been money,” Oliver says in the video. “An apology without reparations is not accountability. It’s reputation management.”

The video’s resurgence comes less than two weeks after Pope Leo XIV issued what is widely regarded as the Vatican’s most explicit apology to date for the Church’s historical complicity in slavery, though he stopped short of endorsing financial reparations.

The Pope’s Apology: ‘A Wound in Christian Memory’

In his first major teaching document, the encyclical Magnifica Humanitas (“Magnificent Humanity”), released on May 25, 2026, Pope Leo XIV offered a “sincere” apology on behalf of the Catholic Church for its role in legitimising slavery and delaying its condemnation for centuries.

“This constitutes a wound in Christian memory, one from which we cannot consider ourselves detached,” the Pope wrote. “For this, in the name of the Church, I sincerely ask for pardon.”

The Pontiff acknowledged that Church authorities had at times responded to the demands of sovereigns by “regulating and legitimising forms of subjugation, including the enslavement of non-Christians,” and admitted that ecclesiastical institutions owned slaves during the Middle Ages.

However, the encyclical explicitly frames the Church’s response within the language of “restorative justice,” which the Pope said should focus on restoring dignity, healing collective memory, and addressing the lasting effects of past abuses, rather than financial compensation.

Pope Leo’s apology stopped short of endorsing a formal reparations program for descendants of enslaved people, a position advocacy groups have criticised as insufficient.

How Ghana Forced the Vatican’s Hand: What Pope Leo XIV Said and Didn’t Say in Historic Apology for Church’s Role in Slavery

The Church as ‘First and Largest Corporate Slave Holder’

Oliver’s video contends that the Church’s complicity was not peripheral but institutional. She describes the Catholic Church as “the first and largest corporate slave holder in the Americas,” naming multiple religious orders—the Jesuits, Dominicans, Augustinians, Franciscans, Benedictines, the Sisters of Charity, the Sisters of Loreto, and the Trappists—as holding African people in bondage.

Historical scholarship supports the claim that Catholic orders were extensive slaveholders. The Jesuits alone held more than 20,000 enslaved Africans, and in 1838, the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus sold 272 enslaved individuals to fund what is now Georgetown University.

The sale, brokered by Rev. Thomas Mulledy, S.J., sent Hawkins and the others to plantations in Louisiana. In 2017, Georgetown University renamed two campus buildings formerly named for Mulledy and Rev. William McSherry, S.J. Isaac Hawkins Hall now honours the man listed first on the 1838 sale documents.

Papal Bulls That Authorised Enslavement

Oliver’s reference to 400 years of papal authorisation is grounded in a series of 15th-century papal bulls that provided religious and moral justification for the enslavement of non-Christians.

Dum Diversas (1452) – Issued by Pope Nicholas V, this bull granted King Afonso V of Portugal “full and free permission to invade, search out, capture and subjugate the Saracens and pagans … and to reduce their persons into perpetual slavery”.
Romanus Pontifex (1455) – Affirmed Portugal’s exclusive rights to territories discovered along the West African coast and further legitimised the slave trade.
Inter Caetera (1456) – Issued by Pope Calixtus III, this bull reaffirmed the earlier bulls and extended Portugal’s authority over African territories.

Later popes, including Pope Paul III in the 1537 bull Sublimus Dei, condemned the unjust enslavement of non-Christians, though the Church did not issue a “formal, absolute and universal condemnation of slavery” until the 19th century.

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Ghana and the Global Reparations Movement

Oliver’s demand for restitution aligns with a broader movement gaining momentum across Africa and the diaspora. Ghana, where an estimated 12 to 15 million Africans were forcibly shipped across the Atlantic between the 16th and 19th centuries, has emerged as a leading voice in the reparations campaign.

In March 2026, Ghana successfully spearheaded a United Nations resolution recognising the enslavement of Africans as the “gravest crime against humanity.” The resolution, submitted by Ghanaian President John Mahama and backed by the African Union, seeks to establish a framework for healing, reparations, and addressing the enduring legacies of slavery and racial discrimination.

Following Pope Leo XIV’s apology, Ghana’s government welcomed the Pontiff’s statement as an “act of moral courage” but stopped short of declaring the matter closed. Human Rights Watch also responded that while the apology was important, “words alone were insufficient,” and that genuine reparative justice requires concrete action from religious institutions, governments, and corporations that benefited from slavery.

The Argument for Reparations

Oliver’s video draws a direct line from the wealth extracted from enslaved Africans—which she argues built cathedrals, funded missions, and filled Vatican coffers—to the present-day obligation to return it.

“The bones of African people are buried under the foundation of every cathedral that wealth built,” she says. “That is not a wound in memory. That is a crime without a verdict.”

She dismisses the distinction between “restorative justice” and financial restitution, arguing that without the unburdening of actual wealth, apologies function merely as reputation management.

“St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas theologically defended the keeping of humans in bondage,” she notes. “St. Gregory the Great gave enslaved people to his friends as gifts. Words aren’t reparations. An encyclical isn’t justice. And absolution cannot be self-administered.”

What Comes Next

The Vatican has not responded directly to the specific demands made in Oliver’s video. Pope Leo XIV’s recent 11-day, four-nation tour of Africa—his first visit to the continent as pontiff—included strong criticism of foreign exploitation of Africa’s natural wealth but did not announce any financial restitution program.

Ghana is expected to host an international conference in June 2026 to discuss next steps following the UN resolution on slavery as a crime against humanity.

For activists like Oliver, the measure of the Church’s sincerity will not be found in encyclicals but in whether it is willing to translate its apology into assets returned.

“If you didn’t know, now you know,” she concludes.

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Ghana Turns Plastic Waste Into Fuel: Accra Signs Binding Deal for First Industrial-Scale Pyrolysis Plant

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Ghana News

Ghana Turns Plastic Waste Into Fuel: Accra Signs Binding Deal for First Industrial-Scale Pyrolysis Plant

Published

3 hours ago

June 5, 2026

GNG Staff

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has signed a binding feedstock agreement with Numatter Recycling Technologies Limited (NRTL) to establish Ghana’s first industrial-scale plastic-to-fuel pyrolysis plant, a facility expected to convert more than 100 tonnes of plastic waste daily into premium-grade petrol, diesel, kerosene, and activated carbon.

The agreement transforms a previously announced Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from September 2025 into a legally binding, commercially anchored arrangement, according to a statement issued by Numatter Recycling Technologies Limited and shared with the Ghanaian Times.

Contractual Commitments

*Mr. Allotey (second from left) and Mr. Boateng exchanging the signed MoU document*

Under the agreement, the AMA will coordinate and channel post-collection plastic waste streams from across the Accra metropolis to the facility. The company will guarantee processing and offtake capacity through a structured waste-to-fuel ecosystem.

The statement described the agreement as a major milestone in Ghana’s transition towards a circular economy and the development of sustainable waste management infrastructure.

Technology and Output

The facility will deploy Hydroxy Systems’ patented closed-loop pyrolysis technology to convert end-of-life plastics into premium-grade petrol, diesel, kerosene, and activated carbon.

The technology is designed to process hard-to-recycle plastics, including sachets, multilayer films, and other low-value materials often rejected by conventional recyclers, the statement noted.

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Addressing Accra’s Plastic Crisis

The statement indicated that plastic pollution has become a major contributor to clogged drains and recurrent flooding in Accra, leading to property damage, traffic disruptions, and public health concerns during the rainy season.

The pyrolysis facility will create a commercially viable market for hard-to-recycle plastics while reducing the volume of waste entering drains, waterways, landfills, and open burning sites, according to the statement.

Job Creation

The project is expected to create approximately 1,500 direct and indirect jobs across waste collection, sorting, transportation, logistics, technical operations, and plant management.

The facility is designed as a continuous industrial operation, running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in support of the government’s 24-hour economy agenda, the statement added.

Official Statements

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive Mr. Michael Kpakpo Allotey described the agreement as a significant step towards transforming plastic waste from an environmental burden into a strategic economic resource. He said the initiative has the potential to promote sustainable development, create jobs, and support cleaner urban communities.

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Mr. Kelvin Boateng, Chief Executive Officer of Numatter Recycling Technologies Limited, described the agreement as the point at which ambition becomes infrastructure. He said the project demonstrated how African cities could convert environmental challenges into industrial assets capable of generating energy, employment, and long-term economic value.

Mr. Boateng further stated that plastic waste should no longer be seen as the end of a product’s lifecycle, but rather as a strategic raw material capable of powering new industries and supporting cleaner, more resilient cities.

Mr. Solomon Noi, Waste Management Director of the AMA, reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting initiatives that combine environmental stewardship with economic development and industrial innovation.

Mr. Rakesh Reddy, CEO of Hydroxy Systems Technologies, said the binding agreement moves the project from promise to implementation. He noted that the success of the project would show other African countries that hydrocarbon recovery from waste is commercially viable and replicable.

With feedstock certainty now secured through the binding agreement, the statement added that the project would move into full construction and mobilisation, positioning Accra as a leader in circular economy infrastructure and sustainable urban development.

Ghana News

Mahama Begins 4-Day State Visit to Belarus, Ghana Eyes Mandatory Photo ID Checks for Porn Sites, and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today

Published

3 hours ago

June 5, 2026

GNG Staff

We are bringing you timely updates of the big stories dominating the news cycle in Ghana today to keep you informed. Happy Friday!

Mahama Begins Four-Day State Visit to Belarus, Eyes Stronger Economic and Agricultural Ties
President John Dramani Mahama has embarked on a four-day state visit to the Republic of Belarus, invited by President Aleksandr Grigorievich Lukashenko. The visit, which started on Friday, June 5, 2026, aims to deepen diplomatic relations and expand cooperation in agriculture, education, and commerce. High-level bilateral discussions in Minsk are expected to result in the signing of at least four landmark agreements. Mahama will also tour a major dairy processing facility in Brest to explore agro-processing partnerships and visit cultural sites like the Brest Hero Fortress Memorial and Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park. He is scheduled to return to Accra on Tuesday, June 9.

The initiative aligns with Ghana’s goals for industrialization and food security through knowledge transfer and technical collaboration with Belarus. This visit underscores efforts to forge new economic frontiers while honoring historical and environmental ties. Read the full story here

Today’s Newspaper Headlines: Friday, June 5, 2026

Government Eyes Mandatory Photo ID Checks for Pornographic Websites
Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George has revealed that the government is preparing a policy requiring users to verify identity with a driver’s license or national ID card before accessing pornographic websites. The measure, slated for Cabinet consideration, seeks to shield children from explicit content and its potential negative impacts on development, values, and morality. George cited the UK’s similar age-verification system as a model and linked the proposal to broader child protection efforts, including support for the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

He stressed preserving African family values against early oversexualization. The announcement came during the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values. Read the full story here

Ghanaians Feel Shortchanged Over Gold Fields Mining Lease Renewal
Policy analyst Dr. Steve Manteaw has explained the growing public backlash against the renewal of Gold Fields’ Tarkwa mining lease, attributing it to widespread perceptions that Ghana is not deriving sufficient value from its mineral resources. Many citizens believe the country retains only a small share of benefits despite its rich endowments, fueling demands for greater local participation and indigenization of the sector.

Manteaw supports increased Ghanaian stakes but cautions against sentiment-driven decisions, advocating for strategic planning modeled on successful global examples like Botswana’s diamond partnerships. He warns that hasty transfers without adequate capacity could harm production. Read the full story here

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FBI Provides Major Update on Abu Trica Romance Scam Case
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation has updated on the case of Ghanaian socialite Frederick Kumi, known as Abu Trica, listing it among consumer fraud investigations. The ring, involving at least five Ghanaians, allegedly defrauded over 130 American victims of more than $15 million through romance scams using AI-driven tactics. Three suspects were detained in the US this week, while Abu Trica and another await extradition from Ghana. Assets seized, including luxury vehicles, are valued at over $3 million.

The FBI praised collaboration with Ghanaian agencies like EOCO and the Ghana Police Service. The operation spanned dating sites and social media, with funds laundered internationally. Read the full story here

Ghanaian Sentenced to 17 Years in US Prison for $38 Million Fraud
Kelvin Owusu Nkwantabisa, a Ghanaian-American, has been sentenced to 17 years in a US federal prison for leading a Business Email Compromise scheme that stole over $38 million. The transnational network impersonated business partners to divert payments, laundering proceeds through shell companies and fraudulent accounts. Other members received sentences ranging from three to over 11 years.

US prosecutors highlighted the sophisticated use of compromised emails and international coordination. The case serves as a warning against cyber-enabled financial crimes. Read the full story here

Foh-Amoaning Warns Against Human Rights Arguments on Anti-LGBTQ Issues
Moses Foh-Amoaning, Executive Secretary of the National Coalition for the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, has urged African legislators not to be deceived by human rights claims supporting LGBTQ+ advocacy. Speaking at the 4th Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values, he described such arguments as deceptive and not rooted in international law, asserting that LGBTQ rights were implied and imposed rather than formally established.

He called for resistance to external pressures to protect family values and national sovereignty. Read the full story here

ECG Announces Power Outages and Maintenance Affecting Multiple Areas
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has outlined power supply disruptions due to faults and planned maintenance. Affected areas include parts of Tema, Accra East, and Accra West regions from network issues and a broken high-tension pole. On Friday, June 5, planned maintenance from 9:00am to 5:00pm will impact Agbogba Junction, Wisconsin University, and parts of North Legon, with additional emergency works affecting numerous communities in other districts.

ECG urged customers to prepare alternatives and report hazards, assuring efforts to restore supply promptly. Read the full story here