Ghana has called for global backing at the United Nations for a draft resolution to recognise the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity.
The move aims to deepen global discussions on reparations and historical accountability.
Speaking ahead of the proposal, Ghana’s Permanent Representative, Samuel Yao Kumah, urged member states to support the initiative. He said the resolution would help acknowledge the scale and lasting impact of one of history’s most devastating systems.
Kumah dismissed concerns that the move could rank one atrocity above others. He explained that the resolution does not seek to compare suffering or create a hierarchy among crimes against humanity.
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Instead, he said it focuses on recognising a system that reshaped the modern world and continues to drive global inequalities.
He added that crimes such as genocide, apartheid, and colonial violence remain clearly condemned under international law.
For Ghana, the resolution offers a path to confront history and support wider conversations on justice and reparations.
Kumah stressed that backing the proposal should not be seen as an accusation. Rather, he said it reflects shared responsibility and a commitment to truth, dignity, and equality.
Historical records show that between 1501 and 1867, more than 13 million Africans were forcibly taken across the Atlantic. Many were separated from their families and communities, with effects that still shape societies today.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
