President John Mahama is spearheading a diplomatic initiative to have the transatlantic slave trade recognized by the United Nations as a crime against humanity, with backing from over 40 African Union member states.
Ghana plans to present a resolution at the UN General Assembly in March, highlighting the centuries-long trade as a historic injustice whose effects continue to shape societies today. Historians estimate that up to 15 million Africans were forcibly transported between the 15th and 19th centuries, with millions perishing during the brutal Middle Passage.
President Mahama emphasized that the initiative focuses initially on acknowledgment of history, but noted it could pave the way for future discussions on reparations. The move reflects a growing push by African nations to confront the legacy of slavery while balancing the demands of contemporary governance and justice.
