Ghana has secured a major diplomatic breakthrough at the United Nations General Assembly, with member states overwhelmingly adopting a resolution that declares the transatlantic slave trade the “gravest crime against humanity” and calls for reparatory justice.
The motion, championed by President John Dramani Mahama and supported by the African Union and Caribbean nations, was passed with 123 votes in favour, three against, and 52 abstentions, underscoring strong global backing despite some opposition.
Addressing the Assembly ahead of the vote, President Mahama framed the resolution as a moral duty to history, stating, “Let it be recorded that when history beckoned, we did what was right for the memory of the millions who suffered the indignity of slavery. Let our vote on this resolution restore their dignity and humanity.”
The resolution seeks formal international recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as a crime of unparalleled scale and brutality, while encouraging dialogue on reparations, including apologies, compensation, and systemic reforms to address its lasting impact.
Although widely supported, the vote revealed lingering divisions. Countries such as the United States, Israel, and Argentina opposed the motion, while the United Kingdom and several European Union members abstained.
Ghana’s push for the resolution reflects growing calls for historical accountability, as the long-term effects of slavery—including racial inequalities and economic disparities—continue to shape societies globally.
While not legally binding, the resolution carries significant political and symbolic weight, marking a pivotal moment in international recognition of the injustices of the transatlantic slave trade and renewed momentum for reparatory justice.
