Ghana Advocates for UN Resolution Declaring Transatlantic Slave Trade a Crime Against Humanity

On March 25, 2026, President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana will present a landmark resolution at the United Nations General Assembly, seeking to officially designate the Transatlantic Slave Trade as the gravest crime against humanity. This initiative aligns with the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The resolution, titled "Declaration of the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans and Racialised Chattel Enslavement of Africans as the Gravest Crime Against Humanity," aims to acknowledge the historical injustices of slavery and advance the global dialogue on reparatory justice.

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Ghana is spearheading this initiative in its capacity as the African Union's champion on reparations, collaborating closely with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and other international stakeholders. The resolution seeks to formally recognize the scale, brutality, and enduring consequences of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, marking the first comprehensive UN acknowledgment of this atrocity in the organization’s 80-year history. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that this recognition is essential for addressing ongoing structural inequalities related to global development, debt burdens, and climate vulnerability.

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The resolution has garnered support from various international bodies, including the African Union, UNESCO, and CELAC. Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude to the Technical Committee and international experts who contributed to drafting the proposal. The Ministry has called on all UN member states to support the resolution, urging them to align with what it describes as the "right side of history and justice."

Ghana to table UN resolution declaring slave trade a crime against humanity on March 25

In anticipation of the resolution's presentation, a wreath-laying ceremony will take place on March 24, 2026, at the African Burial Ground in New York. This will be followed by a high-level event on reparatory justice at the United Nations Conference Room 3. These events are designed to highlight the significance of the resolution and the broader movement for reparatory justice.

Ghana to present a landmark resolution at UN General Assembly declaring transatlantic slave trade gravest crime against humanity

While the resolution has received broad support, there may be dissenting views regarding the implications of such a declaration. Critics might argue about the feasibility of reparations or the potential political ramifications of formally recognizing the Transatlantic Slave Trade as a crime against humanity. However, specific counterarguments were not detailed in the sources.

Ghana to table UN resolution declaring slave trade a crime against humanity on March 25

The Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “All is set for the historic tabling of a United Nations resolution declaring the Transatlantic Slave Trade as the gravest crime against humanity,” emphasizing the importance of preserving historical truth as a foundation for justice and reconciliation.

Ghana to present a landmark resolution at UN General Assembly declaring transatlantic slave trade gravest crime against humanity

• “If adopted, the resolution would mark the first comprehensive UN recognition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade in the organisation’s 80-year history.” — Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Ghana to present a landmark resolution at UN General Assembly declaring transatlantic slave trade gravest crime against humanity

• “to be counted on the right side of history and justice” — Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Ghana to present a landmark resolution at UN General Assembly declaring transatlantic slave trade gravest crime against humanity

This resolution represents a significant step in acknowledging historical injustices and addressing their long-term impacts on contemporary society.

Ghana to present a landmark resolution at UN General Assembly declaring transatlantic slave trade gravest crime against humanity