Ghana’s Big Moment at the UN: President Mahama Pushes for Justice

In a powerful moment for Ghana, President John Dramani Mahama has helped lead a global call for justice at the United Nations. Just as Kwame Nkrumah led Ghana to independence 69 years ago, Mahama has now taken a bold step in addressing the painful history of the transatlantic slave trade.

On March 25, 2026, the UN General Assembly passed a major resolution led by Ghana on behalf of the African Union. The resolution described the transatlantic slave trade and the enslavement of Africans as the “gravest crime against humanity.” It was supported by 123 countries, with three against and 52 abstaining. This marks an important step in the long fight for justice and recognition.

At the UN headquarters in New York, President Mahama delivered a speech that left a strong impression. He spoke not just to world leaders, but for the millions of Africans who were taken from their homes or died during the slave trade.

“Truth begins with language,” he said. He stressed that people should not be called “slaves,” but human beings who were forced into slavery. He explained that the system was designed to strip Africans of their humanity and treat them as property.

He made it clear that this was not just about words. It was about correcting history and recognising the dignity of those who suffured. President Mahama also warned that history is sometimes being changed or forgotten. He pointed to examples where slavery is being downplayed in school materials. He urged the world not to ignore the suffering of millions of people over centuries.

The resolution calls on countries to consider apologising for their role in slavery. It also encourages support for education, development, and the return of African cultural items taken during colonial times. Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, explained that the goal is not personal gain, but justice and support for affected communities.

While many countries supported the resolution, not everyone agreed. The United States, Israel, and Argentina voted against it. The US argued that slavery was legal at the time and questioned who should receive reparations. Meanwhile, 52 countries, including the United Kingdom and some European nations, chose not to vote either way. This shows that the issue still divides opinion globally.

Despite the disagreements, the outcome was widely celebrated. President Mahama said the victory belongs to all Africans and people of African descent, not just Ghana. He also received support from international figures like civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

President Mahama made it clear that this is only the start of a longer journey. The resolution, he said, creates a path toward real justice and recognition.

“This is not the end. This is the beginning,” he said, calling for unity among African nations and the global African community.

As the day ended in New York, many Ghanaians felt proud. From Elmina to Accra, this moment echoed Ghana’s long history of leadership in the fight for justice.

The road ahead will not be easy. But with this decision, Ghana has once again shown its willingness to stand up for what is right, and to make sure history is never forgotten.