By Enock Akonnor (Managing Editor) enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced a major diplomatic breakthrough in the country’s push for global recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page today, Ablakwa revealed that the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has formally pledged his country’s full support for an upcoming United Nations resolution being championed by Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama.
The proposed resolution seeks to declare the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity; a move that could significantly strengthen ongoing global calls for reparatory justice for people of African descent.
Strategic significance of Brazil’s backing
Ablakwa emphasized the importance of Brazil’s endorsement, noting that the South American nation is home to the largest population of people of African descent outside Africa.
This demographic and historical connection adds considerable weight to the growing international coalition advocating for recognition and reparations tied to the transatlantic slave trade.
Diplomatic engagement at CELAC-Africa Summit
The announcement followed high-level engagements between the Ghanaian minister and President Lula on the sidelines of the CELAC-Africa Summit currently taking place in Colombia.
The summit has provided a platform for strengthening ties between African and Latin American countries, particularly on issues of shared historical experiences and development cooperation.
Growing momentum for reparatory justice
According to Ablakwa, support for the resolution is steadily expanding, with more countries joining what he described as a “reparatory justice coalition.”
He expressed optimism that the resolution will gain approval when it is presented at the United Nations on March 25, 2026.
A renewed push for historical accountability
The minister concluded his statement with a strong message of determination, asserting that “reparatory justice shall be achieved.”
The initiative reflects a broader effort by Ghana and its allies to secure formal global acknowledgment of the injustices of the transatlantic slave trade and to advance discussions on compensation and restitution.
If adopted, the resolution could mark a historic milestone in international law and reshape global discourse on accountability, memory, and justice for centuries-old injustices.
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
Contact:
📞 +233 541 921 562
✉️ enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
