Ghana reassures diplomats of strong ties following UN slavery resolution

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa reaffirmed on Sunday, May 3, in Ghana, the country's commitment to maintaining cordial relations with all nations. He convened a briefing with members of the diplomatic corps in Ghana to convey the appreciation of President John Dramani Mahama and the Ghanaian people for the strong international backing that led to the adoption of the resolution at the United Nations. He stated, "I held a briefing of the diplomatic corps in Ghana. The objective was to express the appreciation of President John Mahama and all Ghanaians including my humble self for their country's support during the historic UN adoption of the resolution declaring transatlantic enslavement as the gravest crime against humanity."

Mr. Ablakwa assured those who voted against and abstained that "the Government of Ghana bears no grudge and does not expect their decisions to undermine our cordial diplomatic relations." He indicated that Ghana is spearheading efforts to build a broad international alliance aimed at advancing reparatory justice. He extended "an invitation to every nation to join our expanding large global coalition for reparatory justice of more than 123 countries as we begin a rollout of next steps and commit towards dismantling the enduring consequences of enslavement."

Mr. Ablakwa commended Netherlands and Germany for signalling their readiness to return artefacts currently in their custody. The United Nations resolution, backed by over 120 countries, recognizes the transatlantic slave trade as one of the gravest crimes against humanity.