Transatlantic slavery trade was designed to deny Africans their humanity – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has delivered a powerful address at the United Nations Headquarters, underscoring that the transatlantic slave trade was deliberately designed to dehumanize Africans and perpetuate a false notion of racial superiority. Speaking on Tuesday, March 24, at a United Nations event commemorating the legacy of slavery, President

Mahama emphasized the urgent need to reframe historical narratives, restore dignity to African ancestors, and confront the long-lasting social, economic, and cultural consequences of enslavement.

“The entire transatlantic slave trade was designed to deny African people their humanity,” President Mahama declared. “It was built on a racial hierarchy with no basis in fact or science, a hierarchy that falsely placed whiteness above blackness, and justified the exploitation, enslavement, and commodification of human beings.”

The former Ghanaian leader highlighted that the language used to describe slavery itself—particularly the term “slave”—has contributed to erasing the identity, dignity, and humanity of those who were forcibly trafficked. He insisted that these individuals were human beings who endured unimaginable suffering, not objects or property to be bought, sold, or exploited.

“There is no such thing as a slave,” he stressed. “There were human beings who were trafficked, enslaved, and subjected to horrific conditions. Only by acknowledging their humanity and restoring their dignity can we properly confront this history and its lingering effects.”

The Human Cost of the Transatlantic Slave Trade

President Mahama drew attention to the scale and brutality of the transatlantic slave trade, which forcibly displaced millions of Africans across the Americas, Europe, and the Caribbean between the 16th and 19th centuries. Enslaved individuals were subjected to extreme violence, dehumanizing treatment, and harsh labor, often under inhumane conditions aboard ships and on plantations.

“The atrocities committed during this period were not random acts of cruelty—they were systemic, methodical, and aimed at suppressing African identity, culture, and agency,” he noted. He stressed that the social, economic, and political inequalities observed in Africa and the diaspora today are direct legacies of this brutal system.

President Mahama also highlighted the psychological and cultural dimensions of slavery, pointing out that the trade was designed to instill a sense of inferiority among Africans while glorifying European dominance. “The injustices that were born of slavery and carried forward into successive social systems took place because these individuals were considered objects, not human beings,” he said, highlighting how slavery laid the foundation for centuries of structural inequality, racial discrimination, and marginalization.

Restoring Humanity Through Language and Historical Reframing

A central theme of President Mahama’s speech was the importance of how slavery is discussed globally. He argued that modern discourse often diminishes the lived experiences of enslaved Africans by using sanitized or misleading language. “When discussing slavery and its consequences, we must always start by reclaiming the dignity of Africans, the humanity of our ancestors who were enslaved, and, as a matter of course, our own humanity,” he said.

He called on governments, international organizations, educational institutions, and media outlets to adopt frameworks that prioritize African perspectives and experiences. By doing so, he emphasized, the global community can better understand the historical injustices and develop inclusive policies and reparative measures that honor the memory of enslaved Africans.

Linking Past to Present: Contemporary Relevance

President Mahama also stressed that understanding the transatlantic slave trade is not merely a historical exercise—it has direct relevance to contemporary Africa and the African diaspora. He highlighted ongoing social and economic disparities, the struggle for equitable development, and challenges around systemic discrimination as consequences of centuries-long dehumanization.

He further emphasized the importance of commemorative events like the UN gathering, which provide opportunities to educate younger generations, foster dialogue among nations, and promote policies that address historical injustices. “Our ancestors endured unimaginable suffering, yet they laid the foundation for resilience, culture, and identity that continue to shape Africa and its diaspora,” he said.

Global and African Diaspora Perspectives

In his remarks, President Mahama called for broader engagement with African diasporic communities worldwide. He noted that the diaspora has played a crucial role in preserving cultural identity, advocating for justice, and highlighting the historical contributions of Africans to global civilization despite centuries of exploitation.

He underscored that global recognition of slavery’s human toll should translate into concrete actions, including educational reforms, commemorations, and policies that address lingering social and economic inequities in both Africa and diaspora nations.

A Call to Action

Concluding his address, President Mahama urged world leaders, policymakers, and civil society to commit to a renewed understanding of slavery—one that is grounded in historical accuracy, ethical responsibility, and the restoration of dignity for those who suffered under the transatlantic system.

“We must confront this history with courage, honesty, and empathy,” he said. “Only then can we ensure that the next generation learns from the past, recognizes the resilience of African peoples, and builds a future rooted in justice, equality, and respect for human dignity.”

His speech has been widely praised by international observers and African diaspora leaders, who described it as a necessary step in reshaping global narratives around slavery, race, and human rights. By reframing the discussion to focus on humanity rather than property, President Mahama has positioned Ghana as a leading voice in advocating for historical justice and dignity for Africans worldwide.