President John Dramani Mahama has characterized the United Nations’ endorsement of a resolution regarding slavery reparations as a crucial milestone, yet he warned that it signifies merely the commencement of a larger quest for justice.
His comments followed the UN General Assembly’s approval of a resolution he proposed, which seeks to acknowledge the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade as the most heinous crime ever perpetrated against humanity, along with advocating for reparative justice.
In his address after the General Assembly meeting on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, President Mahama underscored that while the outcome is historic, it must lead to ongoing global initiatives.
“This is not the conclusion. This is the inception. What we have accomplished today lays the groundwork for the pursuit of reparative justice,” he remarked.
He urged all stakeholders to remain steadfast in the wake of this diplomatic achievement, emphasizing the need to generate momentum towards tangible results, including reparations, formal apologies, and broader justice initiatives.
“We must leverage this success and commence efforts so that those who stripped our ancestors of their humanity, those who robbed our ancestors of their dignity, can acknowledge the reality of what transpired,” he stated.
President Mahama also countered efforts to minimize or alter the narrative of slavery, asserting that the UN’s resolution validates its gravity.
“Today we have recognized that this was a serious crime against humanity — indeed the most serious,” he added.
The President further advocated for ongoing solidarity among African nations and the global African diaspora, emphasizing that this achievement represents a collective triumph rather than a national one.
“This victory is not solely for Ghana. We achieved it for all of Africa and for every person of African descent. If we maintain this coalition, we will advance together in the next phases,” he concluded.
He expressed optimism that persistent collaboration would ultimately restore the dignity and humanity of those enslaved ancestors.
“The victory we celebrate today serves to guarantee that we will always remember and never forget. With the passage of this resolution, our ancestors will remain forever in our memory,” he concluded.
