Slavery was the 'most horrendous crime that took place in the history of mankind', Ghana's foreign minister has stated ahead of a landmark vote at the UN General Assembly.
Member states are set to vote on a resolution led by Ghana to recognize the transatlantic slave trade as 'the gravest crime against humanity'. The proposal urges UN member states to consider apologizing for the slave trade and contributing to a reparations fund.
While the initiative is expected to face resistance, especially from countries like the UK that have historically rejected reparations, proponents argue that it represents a significant step toward healing and justice.
Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa emphasized: 'We are demanding compensation—not for ourselves, but for justice for the victims.' He advocates for the establishment of educational funds and skills training initiatives as part of the reparations.
Ablakwa pointed out that between 1500 and 1800, around 12-15 million people were captured in Africa and shipped to the Americas as slaves, with an estimated two million dying during the journey.
Ghana, one of the main gateways for the trade, has long been a leading advocate for reparations, including a call for the return of cultural artifacts looted during colonial times.
President John Dramani Mahama called the resolution 'historic' and vital for preserving the memory of this dark chapter in history.
