Mahama calls for unity over UN Reparations Resolution

President John Mahama has hailed the adoption of Ghana’s reparations motion by the United Nations General Assembly as a historic and transformative moment, describing it as a major step forward in the global pursuit of justice for victims of slavery and their descendants.

The resolution, which was formally adopted on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, represents a significant shift in international discourse on reparatory justice. It calls on UN member states to engage in structured, sustained dialogue and to take concrete, measurable actions aimed at addressing the long-lasting social, economic, and cultural impacts of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. This period, spanning several centuries, forcibly displaced millions of Africans and continues to shape inequalities and systemic disadvantages across societies today.

The motion received strong global backing, with 123 countries voting in favour of its adoption. However, it also revealed divisions within the international community. Three countries—the United States, Argentina, and Israel—voted against the resolution, while 52 nations chose to abstain, reflecting varying political, historical, and diplomatic perspectives on the issue of reparations.

In a statement shared on social media on Thursday, March 26, President Mahama expressed profound satisfaction with the outcome. He described the resolution as not only a diplomatic success for Ghana but also a moral victory for people of African descent worldwide. According to him, the adoption of the motion marks a formal acknowledgment by the global community that the trafficking and enslavement of Africans constitute one of the gravest crimes against humanity in recorded history.

“I am overjoyed by the adoption by the UN General Assembly of this resolution,” President Mahama stated, underscoring both his personal enthusiasm and the broader national pride surrounding the achievement.

He attributed the success of the motion to extensive international cooperation and diplomatic engagement. In particular, he highlighted the critical roles played by the African Union and the Caribbean Community, both of which have long advocated for reparatory justice. These organizations, alongside other global partners, worked collaboratively to move the proposal from its initial stages to eventual adoption at the UN.

Beyond its political and legal implications, President Mahama stressed the deep symbolic and moral importance of the resolution. He described it as a meaningful step toward honouring the memory of the millions of Africans who suffered under slavery, as well as their descendants who continue to face the legacy of that historical injustice.

To reinforce his message, Mahama invoked the words of Toussaint Louverture, a key figure in the struggle against slavery in Haiti. Quoting Louverture, he said, “The greatest weapon against oppression is unity,” using the statement to call for sustained global solidarity and cooperation.

He concluded by urging the international community to build on the momentum created by the resolution, emphasizing the need for collective action to restore dignity, promote healing, and ensure justice for those affected by the enduring consequences of slavery.