Ghana plans to table a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly recognising the transatlantic slave trade as the “gravest crime in the history of humankind” and calling for reparations, according to a statement from its Foreign Ministry to Reuters.
The proposal, which may be introduced as early as this month, is part of Africa’s ongoing efforts to hold former colonial powers accountable for historical injustices. Ghana hopes the resolution “will enjoy the support of many member states.”
“The proposed resolution seeks to recognise transatlantic slavery as the gravest crime in the history of humankind, taking into account its scale, duration, legalisation, and enduring consequences,” the ministry said.
While the call for reparations has gained momentum in recent years, the initiative faces opposition in Europe. Some European leaders argue that today’s states and institutions should not be held responsible for historical wrongs. Ghana, however, stated: “A backlash against truth is one that we hope would not occur. Ghana is not seeking to reopen old wounds but to heal those wounds with truth.”
African and Caribbean nations have been advocating for the establishment of a special UN reparations tribunal, citing precedents in which tribunals were created by UN resolutions or Security Council action.
The African Union last year began developing a unified framework among its 55 member states for reparations, which could include financial compensation, formal apologies, and policy reforms. AU leaders endorsed Ghana’s proposed resolution at a summit last month.
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states, which have outlined their own reparations initiatives, are also expected to support the proposal. “We remain optimistic that others would equally be able to do so,” Ghana’s Foreign Ministry added.
The resolution represents a significant diplomatic push to gain international recognition of the transatlantic slave trade’s historical impact and to advance discussions on reparations at a global level.
