Ghana has announced plans to introduce a groundbreaking resolution at the United Nations General Assembly that would formally recognise the transatlantic slave trade as one of the most serious crimes ever committed against humanity. The initiative, which also calls for reparations, is expected to rally support from many countries around the world despite some opposition.
The West African nation, long at the forefront of advocating reparatory justice, says it aims to bring the resolution to the global stage possibly as early as this month. According to the Foreign Ministry, the text is designed to reflect the unprecedented scale, duration and legal backing of the slave trade, and to acknowledge its lingering impact today.
In a statement, officials explained that the resolution’s purpose is to “recognise the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime in the history of humankind, taking into account its scale, duration, legalisation and enduring consequences.
While support for reparations has been growing in recent years, the proposal faces some pushback, particularly from leaders in Europe who argue current governments should not be held responsible for historical injustices. Responding to critics, Ghana’s ministry said it hopes the measure will not “reopen old wounds” but rather contribute to healing through an honest appraisal of the past.
The resolution is part of broader efforts by African and Caribbean countries to address historical wrongs linked to slavery. There are moves to create a dedicated U.N. tribunal on reparations, and a unified strategy crafted by the African Union is expected to bolster Ghana’s efforts.
Caribbean Community states, which have their own reparatory frameworks, are also anticipated to back the resolution, and Ghana says it remains optimistic that many other nations will join in support.