Ablakwa hails the UN vote declaring slavery a crime against humanity

Landmark UN vote branding transatlantic slavery the worst crime against humanity opened fresh doors for reparations talks and global reckoning.

UN Resolution Push

• Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa briefed the media after the adoption of A RES 80 250 on March 25 2026.
• One hundred twenty-three states backed the measure, while three opposed and fifty-two abstained.
• President John Dramani Mahama drove the effort as African Union Champion on Reparations.
• Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister hailed it as a shift from mere remembrance to addressing deep legacies.

Slavery Critique

• Ablakwa dismissed claims of equal African involvement in any legitimate trade system.
• Captives faced forced raids, brutal transport, and sustained violence without consent or agency.
• Local intermediaries played roles yet never controlled or owned the externally designed network.
• Resolution frames the trafficking as organised crime financed and legalised outside Africa.

Reparations Focus

• Calls target investments in education infrastructure and community development rather than cash handouts.
• No compensation can erase the full scale of historical injustice, according to the minister.
• Framework now encourages ongoing dialogue on reforms and cultural restitution efforts.
• Partners like the African Union, CARICOM, and figures including Al Sharpton helped build support.