President Mahama calls for global recognition of slavery as crime against humanity

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana will submit a motion to the United Nations seeking the formal recognition of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crimes against humanity.

Delivering an address at Ghana’s 69th Independence Day celebration, the President said the initiative was part of efforts to pursue historical justice for Africans and their descendants across the world.

“Later this month, Ghana will submit a motion to the United Nations declaring slavery and the transatlantic slave trade the gravest crime against humanity,” he stated.

According to the President, the move would reinforce global efforts aimed at securing justice and restitution for victims of the centuries-long slave trade.

“This motion will represent the justice and restitution that is long overdue,” he said.

Shared history with diaspora

President Mahama emphasised the deep historical connection between Ghana and the African diaspora, describing it as a relationship rooted in shared ancestry and painful history.

He noted that historic slave forts such as Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle remain enduring reminders of the transatlantic slave trade.

“The dungeons of Cape Coast and Elmina castles remind us of the dark chapters of history when millions of Africans were forcibly transported across the Middle Passage to the so-called New World,” he said.

Despite the tragedy, the President said the descendants of enslaved Africans had demonstrated extraordinary resilience.

“From that tragedy arose remarkable resilience, creativity and cultural brilliance that continue to influence the world today,” he added.

Reconnection with the Caribbean

President Mahama also highlighted the importance of strengthening ties between Ghana and Caribbean nations, describing them as branches of the same ancestral heritage.

He welcomed the presence of the Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Terrance Drew, at the celebration, noting that the visit symbolised a historic reconnection between Africa and the Caribbean.

“Your visit and our bilateral engagements represent more than just diplomacy. They signify a historic reconnection between Ghana and our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean,” he said.

Ghana leading global advocacy

President Mahama said Ghana’s leadership on the matter was consistent with its historic role as the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence in 1957.

“Ghana, the first sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence, will once again lead the global call for dignity and restoration,” he said.

The President expressed confidence that Africa and the diaspora would continue to strengthen collaboration in pursuit of justice, unity and development.