President John Dramani Mahama has urged sustained international action following the United Nations’ approval of a landmark motion on slavery reparations, stressing that the vote must lead to tangible justice for people of African descent.
Addressing the United Nations General Assembly after the adoption of the resolution, President Mahama described the decision as a critical breakthrough, but warned that it should not be seen as an end in itself.
“This is only the beginning,” he said, emphasizing that the resolution provides a foundation for deeper engagement on reparations, formal apologies, and historical accountability.
The motion, tabled by Ghana, calls for recognition of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade as one of the gravest crimes against humanity and urges member states to engage in meaningful dialogue on reparatory justice.
President Mahama stressed the importance of maintaining momentum, noting that the success of the resolution would ultimately be measured by concrete outcomes rather than symbolic victories.
He also pushed back against attempts to minimise or reinterpret the history of slavery, stating that the UN’s endorsement reinforces the global acknowledgment of its severity and long-lasting impact.
Highlighting the role of unity, the President said the achievement reflected a collective effort by African nations and the global diaspora. He called for continued collaboration to ensure that the resolution translates into policies and actions that restore dignity to descendants of enslaved people.
“This is a shared victory,” he noted, adding that sustained cooperation would be key to advancing the reparations agenda on the global stage.
President Mahama concluded by underscoring the importance of remembrance, saying the resolution ensures that the legacy of those affected by slavery will not be forgotten while the world works toward justice.
