Ghana Pushes for Reparations in Historic UN Resolution on Slavery

Wed Mar 25 2026 13:03:31 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In a landmark vote at the UN General Assembly, Ghana leads an initiative to recognize the transatlantic slave trade as a grave crime against humanity while calling for reparations and the return of stolen cultural artefacts.

Ghana's foreign minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, emphasizes the need for reparations for the descendants of slave trade victims as the UN General Assembly prepares to vote on a resolution recognizing the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity. The resolution advocates for apologies from member states, reparations funds, and the return of cultural artefacts taken during the colonial era. Despite potential resistance from some countries, the initiative aims to offer justice and acknowledgment of historical injustices.

Ghana's foreign minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, asserts that slavery stands as the most horrendous crime that took place in the history of mankind as the UN General Assembly prepares for a significant vote. The resolution led by Ghana aims to recognize the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity.

The proposed measure encourages UN member states to contemplate issuing apologies for the slave trade and contribute to a reparations fund. It is anticipated that the resolution may encounter opposition, particularly from nations like the UK, which have historically opposed reparations, claiming that contemporary institutions should not bear the responsibility of historical wrongs.

Advocates of the proposal, including the African Union, argue that this initiative is a vital step toward achieving justice and healing. Minister Ablakwa articulated the intention behind the resolution, highlighting that African leaders are not seeking personal financial gain but rather justice for the victims. He emphasized the desire for funds to support educational initiatives and skills training.

Additionally, the resolution seeks the restitution of cultural artefacts that were appropriated during the colonial period. Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama hailed the resolution as historic and a safeguard against historical amnesia, while the call for the return of looted artefacts underscores the cultural significance of Africa's heritage.

From 1500 to 1800, approximately 12-15 million Africans were captured and taken to the Americas to be forced into slavery, with over two million estimated to have died during these harrowing journeys.