President John Dramani Mahama has called on the international community to support a landmark United Nations resolution seeking to declare the transatlantic slave trade the gravest crime against humanity.
Addressing the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, March 25, during the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, President Mahama stressed the importance of truth, remembrance, and collective action in advancing reconciliation and reparative justice.
He noted that the annual observance honours an estimated 13 million Africans who were enslaved over several centuries.
“Through these activities, we do more than remember. We document and educate; we gain a greater perspective; we find the delicate balance of learning from history so we do not repeat it, while leaving the pain behind,” he stated.
President Mahama recalled that at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in September last year, Ghana announced its intention to lead efforts to formally recognise the transatlantic slave trade as the most egregious crime against humanity.
He explained that the draft resolution is the outcome of extensive consultations and consensus-building among member states.
“This draft resolution is the result of months of consultation and consensus-building… with the sole aim of achieving a united front grounded in truth, compassion, and moral conscience,” he said.
The President emphasised that adopting the resolution would serve as a safeguard against historical amnesia while promoting healing and justice.
“Today, we come together in solemn solidarity to affirm truth and pursue a route to healing and reparative justice. The adoption of this resolution serves as a safeguard against forgetting,” he added.
Calling for global support, he urged nations to take a principled stand.
“On this beautiful day in March, we are called to stand on the right side of history. 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.” he said
The proposed resolution is expected to spark renewed global conversations on historical accountability, remembrance, and reparative justice.
