Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has held a high-level briefing with members of the diplomatic corps in Accra, outlining Ghana’s position following the historic adoption of a United Nations resolution declaring transatlantic enslavement as the gravest crime against humanity.
According to the Minister, the engagement was aimed at conveying the appreciation of President John Dramani Mahama and the people of Ghana to countries that supported the resolution at the United Nations.
He noted that Ghana values the solidarity shown by the international community in recognising the historical injustice of transatlantic enslavement, describing the resolution as a significant milestone in the global pursuit of justice and historical accountability.
Ablakwa also addressed concerns surrounding countries that either voted against or abstained during the process, stressing that Ghana holds no resentment and does not expect those decisions to affect existing diplomatic relations.
He used the platform to formally invite all nations to join Ghana’s expanding global coalition advocating for reparatory justice, which currently comprises more than 123 countries.
The Minister indicated that the coalition is preparing to roll out concrete next steps aimed at addressing the lasting socio-economic and cultural impacts of slavery.
As part of ongoing efforts to confront historical injustices, Ablakwa commended the governments of the Netherlands and Germany for officially communicating plans to return artefacts in their possession to Ghana.
He described the move as a positive step towards restitution and reconciliation, urging other nations to follow suit as global conversations around reparations and historical redress continue to gain momentum.
