President John Dramani Mahama has described the recent United Nations resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity as a historic global milestone, emphasizing that the achievement extends beyond Ghana to the entire African world and its diaspora.
Speaking upon his return, President Mahama noted, “It is a victory not only for Ghana; it is a victory for a broad coalition of all Africans, all people of African descent, CARICOM, and indeed all people of good conscience around the world.”
He explained that although the issue had been acknowledged in parts over the years, it had remained fragmented until now.
“The significance of what we did was to put it all together and place it on the highest global platform that this was the gravest crime against humanity,” he stated.
The President took time to commend key officials who played instrumental roles in securing support for the resolution. He praised the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, for his extensive diplomatic efforts.
“I gave the guidance, but they did the legwork. The thousands of kilometers he traveled from country to country canvassing support for this resolution must be acknowledged,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to Ghana’s diplomatic missions, including Ambassador Victor Smith and staff at the United Nations and in the United States. “They deserve the real honor because they actually did the work. I just provided the guidance,” he noted.
President Mahama further acknowledged the overwhelming international backing for the resolution.
“I want to thank the 123 countries that voted for this resolution, many of them not affected by the slave trade… but having the good conscience to acknowledge that on scale nothing surpasses the inhumanity of what happened for 400 years against black people in this world,” he said.
Turning to Ghanaians, the President expressed deep appreciation for public support. “This moment belongs to all the people of Ghana. Your prayers, encouragement and belief carried this mission forward, and I return home with a deep sense of gratitude and humility,” he stated, adding that Ghana stood not only for itself but for Africa and the global African diaspora.
Describing the resolution as historic, he stressed its broader implications. “It affirms what we have always known that this injustice must be acknowledged, remembered, and addressed. This is not about the past alone; it is about justice, dignity, and truth,” he said.
He emphasized that the recognition at the United Nations marks a turning point in global discourse.
“This is the first time clarity and record has been brought to the issue on the highest global platform It is about ensuring that the legacy of slavery is neither forgotten nor trivialized and laying a foundation for meaningful global conversations on reparative justice,” he added.
President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s continued leadership role, noting its collaboration with the African Union and CARICOM. “Ghana has once again demonstrated moral leadership on the global stage consistent with our history from independence to today of standing for justice and human dignity,” he said.
He, however, stressed that the resolution is only the beginning. “This resolution is just the beginning; it is not an end. We will work with our partners to translate this moral victory into concrete outcomes,” he stated, referencing CARICOM’s 10-point plan for reparative justice.
The President concluded by calling for unity and sustained action. “Let this moment remind us of what we can achieve when we act with purpose and unity”.
“This is a proud moment for Ghana, for Africa, and for people of African descent wherever they are in the world.”
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
