President John Dramani Mahama says Ghana will file a motion at the United Nations next year to declare slavery as one of the greatest crimes in history.
He is subsequently calling on Africans and people of African descent to join the campaign seeking justice for the legacies of colonialism, slavery, and other historical injustices through various forms of repair.
“As the African Union Champion for Reparations, I see this cause not as a plea for charity, but as a demand for justice and restoration. At the UN General Assembly this year, I sent notice that Ghana intends to file a motion at the United Nations next year to declare slavery as one of the greatest crimes against humanity.”
President Mahama was speaking at a luncheon at the Presidency, in honour of the Grenadian Prime Minister, Hon. Dickon Mitchell, during his two-day official visit to Ghana.
He said the issue of reparations for Africa and the people of African descent holds deep meaning for both Ghana and Grenada.
“Mr Prime Minister, I know I can count on your support and the support of our colleagues in the Caribbean and the African Union to support this motion.”
The President said, the African Union’s 2025 theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”, rightly reflects a collective struggle.
“Let us build on our shared history to foster shared prosperity founded on trust, cooperation, and a deep belief in the common destiny of our peoples.”
He emphasised that Africa’s demand for reparative justice is rooted in historical truth, moral clarity, and its steadfast dedication to dignity.
Prime Minister Mitchell, who traced his roots to Ghana, said his visit reinforces the long-standing bilateral relations between what he called the two ‘Gs’- Ghana and Grenada.
He said Grenada and, by extension, the Caribbean are deeply committed.
“It is not just about economic justice. It is not just about reversing the significant negative legacy of colonisation and neocolonisation, and in some cases the imperialism that continues. But it is first and foremost about our human dignity,” Prime Minister Mitchell said.
He assured President Mahama that Grenada and the Caribbean stand ready to support the resolution.
“We stand ready to continue the conversation and the fight for the acknowledgement that slavery, the transatlantic slave trade, is, in fact, perhaps the worst human crime that has been committed against humanity. And that we should recommit to ensure that it never happens again.”