Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has assured countries that voted against or abstained from the United Nations resolution on slavery reparations that Ghana holds no resentment and remains committed to maintaining cordial diplomatic relations.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, May 3, the Foreign Affairs Minister disclosed that he had held a briefing with members of the diplomatic corps in Ghana following the historic adoption of the resolution at the UN General Assembly.
According to him, the meeting was to convey the appreciation of President John Dramani Mahama and the people of Ghana for the overwhelming international support that secured the passage of the resolution declaring transatlantic enslavement as the gravest crime against humanity.
“I held a briefing of the diplomatic corps in Ghana. The objective was to express the appreciation of President John Mahama and all Ghanaians including my humble self for their country’s support during the historic UN adoption of the resolution declaring transatlantic enslavement as the gravest crime against humanity,” he stated.
Ablakwa added that although a few countries voted against or abstained, Ghana does not expect their decisions to undermine existing diplomatic ties.
He further extended an invitation on behalf of President Mahama for all nations to join what he described as an expanding global coalition for reparatory justice as efforts intensify to address the enduring consequences of enslavement.
On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 123 countries voted in favour of the motion tabled by President Mahama at the UN General Assembly. The resolution, which called on the UN to formally recognise the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade as the gravest crime ever committed against humanity, was adopted despite opposition from the United States, Argentina and Israel, while 52 countries abstained.
Ablakwa also commended the Netherlands and Germany for indicating that their governments will soon return artefacts currently in their possession.
