Ghana Champions Reparations for Slavery in Historic UN Resolution Vote

Wed Mar 25 2026 13:29:13 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In a landmark vote at the UN General Assembly, Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa calls for recognition and reparations for the transatlantic slave trade, urging member states to consider apologies and contributions to a reparations fund.

Ghana leads a historic push at the UN General Assembly to recognize the transatlantic slave trade as a grave crime against humanity. The resolution advocates for apologies and reparations, aiming to address historical injustices and support educational initiatives for the victims of slavery. Despite facing potential resistance from some nations, advocates call this proposal a crucial step towards justice and reconciliation.

Slavery was the most horrendous crime that took place in the history of mankind, Ghana's foreign minister has told the BBC ahead of a landmark vote at the UN General Assembly.

Member states are set to vote on a resolution - led by Ghana - to recognise the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity. The proposal urges UN member states to consider apologising for the slave trade and contributing to a reparations fund.

The resolution is likely to face resistance, as states like the UK have long rejected paying reparations, saying today's institutions cannot be held responsible for past wrongs. But the proposal's advocates, including the African Union, consider it a step towards healing and justice.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana's foreign minister, stated: We are demanding compensation - and let us be clear, African leaders are not asking for money for themselves. We want justice for the victims and causes to be supported, educational and endowment funds, skills training funds. Ablakwa also emphasized that the resolution does not rank Ghana's pain above that of others, but seeks to document a historical fact.

Between 1500 and 1800, 12-15 million Africans were captured and taken to the Americas as slaves, with over two million estimated to have died during the journey. Ghana, a primary gateway for this trade, has been a leading advocate for reparations.

The resolution also calls for the return of cultural artefacts stolen during the colonial era, representing Ghana's heritage, culture, and spiritual significance. President John Dramani Mahama has deemed the resolution historic and a safeguard against forgetting.