Ghana has secured a major diplomatic breakthrough at the United Nations General Assembly, where a motion on reparations for the transatlantic slave trade championed by President John Dramani Mahama has been overwhelmingly adopted.
The resolution, presented under Ghana’s leadership on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, received the support of 123 member states after extensive deliberations. Three countries the United States, Argentina, and Israel voted against the motion, while 52 abstained.
The motion seeks to reignite global commitment to reparatory justice for African nations and people of African descent affected by the transatlantic slave trade. It calls on UN member states to engage in structured dialogue and take concrete steps to address the lasting social, economic, and cultural consequences of slave.
Despite widespread support, the United States expressed reservations, describing the African Union-backed resolution as “highly problematic.” While acknowledging the historical injustices of slavery, the U.S. delegation said it could not support the motion due to concerns over the identification of beneficiaries.
Speaking during the plenary, a U.S. representative stated that although the country recognizes past wrongs, uncertainty about who would benefit from reparatory measures made it difficult to endorse the resolution.
The adoption of the motion marks a significant step in international efforts to confront the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. It also reflects growing global recognition of the need for justice, remembrance, and meaningful reparative action for affected communities.
