Ghana Seeks UN Recognition of Slavery as ‘Greatest Crime’ & Demands Reparations
New York, United States – Ghana is seeking to make a historic day at the United Nations, submitting a draft resolution to the General Assembly that would formally designate the transatlantic slave trade and slavery as “the gravest crime in the history of humanity” and call for reparatory justice from former colonial powers and the United States.
The resolution, spearheaded by Ghanaian Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, aims to move beyond symbolic acknowledgement and establish a legal basis for reparations. According to estimates from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), between 15 and 20 million Africans were forcibly displaced to the Americas and the Caribbean between the 15th and 19th centuries.
The proposal is expected to garner support from numerous African and Caribbean nations, but is anticipated to face resistance from Western countries. The move represents a significant escalation in the global conversation surrounding reparatory justice, framing the issue not simply as a historical tragedy, but as a foundational injustice with ongoing ramifications.
The draft resolution, developed under the direction of Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, seeks to address the enduring legacy of slavery, which extends to economic disparities and structural inequalities within global systems. Ablakwa argues that the resolution is “like no other” because it seeks to establish a clear moral and legal foundation for seeking redress.
“This campaign is not a humanitarian appeal,” Ablakwa stated. “It is a legal claim, and the law, examined without the selective amnesia that has long served the interests of former colonial powers, is unambiguous.”
The timing of this initiative is particularly noteworthy. For decades, discussions surrounding reparations have largely been confined to academic circles and activist groups. Ghana’s push at the UN signals a concerted effort to bring the issue into the mainstream of international diplomacy and legal discourse.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has been a key figure in this effort. He has served as a Member of Parliament for the North Tongu Constituency in Ghana’s Volta region since , representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs in under President Mahama’s administration, having previously held positions as Deputy Minister for Information and Deputy Minister for Education during the presidencies of John Atta Mills and Mahama.
Born on , Ablakwa’s political career began after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Ghana, followed by a Master of Arts in Communication, Media and Public Relations from the University of Leicester.
The resolution’s call for reparations extends beyond financial compensation, encompassing broader commitments to equity, development, and institutional reform. It seeks to initiate a global reckoning, acknowledging the lasting impact of slavery and opening avenues for structured dialogue on how to address its consequences.
While the specifics of what reparations might entail remain open for discussion, the resolution’s proponents envision a multifaceted approach. This could include debt cancellation for African nations, increased development aid, investment in education and healthcare, and the return of cultural artifacts looted during the colonial era.
The move by Ghana, backed by the African Union, is likely to reignite debate within European nations and the United States regarding their historical roles in the transatlantic slave trade and the ongoing responsibility to address its legacy. The resolution’s success at the UN remains uncertain, but its introduction marks a pivotal moment in the global pursuit of reparatory justice.
The implications of the resolution extend beyond the immediate question of reparations. It also raises fundamental questions about international law, historical accountability, and the enduring impact of colonialism on the global order. The outcome of the vote at the UN General Assembly will be closely watched by governments, civil society organizations, and scholars around the world.