Ablakwa urges nations to join reparations push after UN slavery vote

Ghana has urged countries that voted against or abstained from a United Nations resolution on transatlantic enslavement to join an international effort towards reparatory justice.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said on May 3, 2026, that he had met diplomats accredited to Ghana in Accra to brief them on the outcome of the vote and the country’s next steps.

The United Nations General Assembly recently adopted a resolution declaring transatlantic enslavement the gravest crime against humanity. Ghana supported the resolution, which received more than 123 votes in favour, while some countries voted against or abstained.

The decision has revived discussions on reparations for descendants of enslaved Africans.

Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, Mr Ablakwa said Ghana would maintain relations with all countries, regardless of how they voted.

“The Government of Ghana bears no grudge and does not expect their decisions to undermine our cordial diplomatic relations,” he said.

Mr Ablakwa said the government had begun steps towards building a coalition to pursue reparatory justice and address the long-term effects of enslavement. He did not provide details.

He also said the Netherlands and Germany had separately informed Ghana that they would return artefacts in their possession.

He did not state which artefacts were involved or when they would be returned.