Ghana to Propose UN Resolution Declaring Slave Trade as Crime Against Humanity

President John Mahama has announced that Ghana will submit a resolution to the United Nations General Assembly designating the African slave trade as “the most serious crime against humanity.” This bold move comes at a pivotal time, as discussions surrounding historical injustices and reparations gain momentum on the international stage.

Speaking at the conclusion of the African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Mahama emphasized that the UN resolution marks merely the first step in a larger journey toward recognition and reconciliation. “This initiative offers a historic opportunity to affirm a long-standing truth,” he stated, underlining the importance of collective acknowledgment in fostering genuine reconciliation and real equality.

The push for this resolution aligns with a broader movement calling for reparations that transcends national boundaries, aiming to address the lasting impacts of the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism. Mahama’s predecessor, Nana Akufo-Addo, previously urged African leaders to present a united front at the African Union summit in November 2023, advocating for reparations for the historical injustices endured by African nations and communities over centuries.

As the world reflects on the legacy of slavery and colonialism, Ghana’s initiative could serve as a catalyst for other nations affected by these events to come forward with similar proposals. The potential UN resolution not only seeks to acknowledge the grievous nature of the slave trade but also highlights the ongoing struggles faced by the descendants of enslaved Africans.

Mahama’s call for global recognition underscores a crucial shift in international dialogue concerning race, equity, and reparations. “This is not just a resolution; it is a call to humanity to confront uncomfortable truths and to strive for a future characterized by justice for all,” he added.

The upcoming submission at the UN will likely spark discussions among member states regarding the frameworks necessary to facilitate reparations and further discourse on historical accountability. As nations engage in this vital conversation, Ghana’s resolution may pave the way for a new era of acknowledgement and healing.

Advocates for reparations assert that acknowledging the past is a vital step toward reconciliation and restoration of dignity to those affected by centuries of oppression. The international community now faces the challenge of responding to these calls, not only with words but also with actions that promote reparative justice.

The resolution’s introduction is a tribute to the ongoing struggle for recognition and justice, representing an effort to turn historical grievances into constructive dialogues aimed at building a more equitable future.

As discussions unfold at the UN, Ghana’s initiative stands as both a reminder of past injustices and a beacon for the potential for future reparative practices. The world watches closely as this pioneering step could influence policies and attitudes towards the legacy of slavery globally.

The outcome of this resolution could mark a significant milestone in the international recognition of historical injustices, fostering hope for millions who seek acknowledgment and rectification of past transgressions.

By Omer Aden
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.