By Hannah Dadzie
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has hailed the adoption of a landmark United Nations resolution recognizing the chattel enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity, describing the move as “an emphatic victory for justice.”
Speaking after the passage of Resolution A-80-L48 at the UN, the Minister said the decision by 123 member states to vote in favour, against 52 abstentions and only three opposing votes, signals a decisive global acknowledgment of historical truth and moral responsibility.
“With the adoption of this resolution, we have not simply passed a text; we have affirmed the truth. We have chosen remembrance over silence, dignity over erasure, and shared humanity over division,” he stated.
Mr. Ablakwa, speaking on behalf of the African Group, expressed profound appreciation to countries that supported the resolution, as well as those that engaged constructively in the negotiation process despite differing views.
He noted that the outcome reflects a growing international consensus on the need to confront the enduring legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. Mr Ablakwa emphasized that the resolution marks a significant milestone but not the end of the journey toward reparatory justice.
“This is not an arrival at a destination, but a major step in our ongoing collective conversation,” he said, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to continued dialogue and cooperation with all member states.
The Minister stressed that the resolution is not intended to assign blame but to ensure that the atrocities of the past are neither forgotten nor denied. According to him, it creates space for honest global conversations, education, and deeper moral reflection on historical injustices.
“This is about ensuring that future generations inherit truth, not silence,” he added, highlighting the importance of teaching history with integrity and fostering dialogue that promotes understanding.
Mr. Ablakwa further noted that the resolution opens the door for broader engagement on reparatory justice, describing it as a framework for healing, restoration, and partnership rather than a purely transactional concept. He urged member states to pursue inclusive and good-faith discussions on the issue at national levels.
He also underscored the need to dismantle lingering racialized systems and promote fairness and equity globally.
“The work of justice does not end with remembrance,” he said.
The Minister paid tribute to President Dramani Mahama for his leadership in initiating the resolution, describing his role as “phenomenal” in achieving what he called a historic moment for Ghana, Africa, and people of African descent worldwide.
“We cannot change history, but we can change how we remember it.Today, the world has chosen to remember with purpose, justice, and equity,” Mr Ablakwa added.
