President John Dramani Mahama has made a strong appeal at the United Nations headquarters for the adoption of a landmark resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity.
Speaking at a high level event, the President emphasised the moral and historical urgency of formally recognising the trafficking and racialised enslavement of Africans as a defining injustice in human history.
He framed the proposed resolution as both a symbolic and practical step toward confronting the legacy of slavery and advancing reparatory justice.
According to him, the resolution would provide a global platform for acknowledging the suffering endured by millions of Africans over centuries and ensure that such atrocities are neither minimised nor forgotten.
President Mahama underscored the scale of the transatlantic slave trade, describing it as a system that stripped millions of their humanity and dignity. He noted that the resolution would enable the international community to collectively bear witness to the lives disrupted and destroyed during that period.
“This resolution allows us, as a global community, to collectively bear witness to the plight of the 18 million men, women, and children whose homes, communities, names, families, hopes, dreams, futures, and lives were stolen from them over the course of four centuries.”
President of the Republic of Ghana, HE John Dramani Mahama
He added that his remarks were not only on behalf of Ghana but also in solidarity with Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the wider African diaspora. The President stressed that the issue transcends national boundaries and speaks to a shared global responsibility.
Reframing the Narrative of Slavery
A key aspect of President Mahama’s address was his call to rethink how slavery is described and understood. He challenged commonly used language, arguing that it often obscures the humanity of those who were enslaved.
“There is no such thing as a slave. There were human beings who were trafficked and enslaved by others who believed they could own them as property.”
President of the Republic of Ghana, HE John Dramani Mahama
He explained that this distinction is essential for restoring dignity to the victims and accurately reflecting the injustice they suffered. By reframing the narrative, he argued, the global community can better appreciate the human cost of the transatlantic slave trade.
The President further highlighted that the transatlantic slave trade was built on a system of racial hierarchy that falsely elevated one group while dehumanising another. He described this ideology as lacking any scientific or moral basis, yet powerful enough to justify centuries of exploitation.
According to him, the entire system was designed to reduce African people to objects, stripping them of identity, culture, and agency. This, he said, is why any meaningful discussion about slavery must begin with a commitment to restoring equality and dignity.
“These injustices occurred because human beings were reduced to objects,” he noted, adding that recognising this reality is central to addressing the legacy of slavery in contemporary society.
Pathway to Healing and Reparatory Justice
President Mahama described the proposed resolution as a pathway toward healing and reparatory justice. He argued that formal recognition at the global level would create the foundation for meaningful dialogue on restitution and reconciliation.
“This resolution is a pathway to healing and reparative justice. This resolution is a safeguard against forgetting,” he said. He emphasised that the power of language and international declarations lies in their ability to shape global consciousness and influence policy decisions.
By declaring slavery as the gravest crime against humanity, the United Nations would set a clear moral standard and reinforce the need for accountability.
The President called on member states of the United Nations to support the resolution, stressing that it represents a collective responsibility to address historical injustices. He noted that acknowledging the past is essential for building a more just and equitable future.
He also highlighted the importance of unity among nations and communities affected by the legacy of slavery. By working together, he said, the international community can ensure that the lessons of history are not lost and that future generations are better informed.
Renewed Focus on Historical Accountability
The proposal forms part of a broader effort led by Ghana to secure global recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as a defining crime against humanity. The initiative reflects increasing calls for accountability, education, and reparative measures in response to historical injustices.
President Mahama concluded his address by reiterating the importance of confronting the past with honesty and resolve. He stressed that the resolution is not only about remembrance but also about creating a framework for justice and dignity.
As discussions continue at the United Nations, Ghana’s advocacy is expected to play a significant role in shaping the global conversation on slavery, historical responsibility, and the pursuit of justice.
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