Ghana Calls for Justice Over Slavery at UN
Slavery has been described as the "most horrendous crime that took place in the history of mankind" by Ghana's foreign minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in an interview with the BBC ahead of a significant vote at the United Nations General Assembly.
Member states are preparing to vote on a resolution, spearheaded by Ghana, which seeks to officially recognize the transatlantic slave trade as "the gravest crime against humanity." This proposal encourages UN member countries to consider issuing formal apologies for the slave trade and to contribute to a reparations fund aimed at addressing its enduring impacts.
Resistance and Advocacy Surround the Resolution
The resolution is expected to encounter opposition, particularly from countries such as the United Kingdom, which have historically declined to pay reparations. These nations argue that contemporary institutions should not be held accountable for historical injustices.
Despite this, proponents of the resolution, including the African Union, view it as a crucial step toward healing and justice for the descendants of those affected by the slave trade.
Ghana’s Position on Compensation and Justice
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa emphasized Ghana’s stance on compensation during the BBC's Newsday programme:
"We are demanding compensation - and let us be clear, African leaders are not asking for money for themselves.
We want justice for the victims and causes to be supported, educational and endowment funds, skills training funds."
Ablakwa further clarified that Ghana's initiative is not intended to rank its suffering above that of others but to document a historical truth.
Historical Context and Ghana’s Advocacy
Between 1500 and 1800, an estimated 12 to 15 million Africans were captured and transported to the Americas, where they were enslaved. It is estimated that over two million individuals perished during these voyages. Ghana, historically one of the primary entry points for the slave trade, has been a leading advocate for reparations related to this period.
Call for Return of Cultural Artefacts
The resolution also demands the return of cultural artefacts that were stolen during the colonial era to their countries of origin. Ablakwa stated:
"We want a return of all those looted artefacts, which represent our heritage, our culture and our spiritual significance. All those artefacts looted for many centuries into the colonial era ought to be returned."
Presidential Support
Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama has described the resolution as "historic" and a "safeguard against forgetting," underscoring the importance of acknowledging and addressing this chapter of history.
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