'You missed a golden opportunity' - Ablakwa sends message to Trump

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa delivered a message to the administration of Donald Trump after the United States voted against a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly to declare the enslavement of Africans a crime against humanity. In an interview with BBC Africa, sighted by GhanaWeb on March 27, 2026, Ablakwa described the US decision as disappointing, noting that the country played a role in the atrocities committed during the transatlantic slave trade. According to him, the vote at the United Nations General Assembly, spearheaded by Ghana's President, John Dramani Mahama, presented an opportunity for the US to express remorse for its involvement.

Ablakwa stated that the Trump administration had missed an opportunity to redeem itself by failing to support the resolution. He said, "Particularly for the United States, it is most disappointing because they know their role in this. They took part in the horrendous atrocities that occurred. We will leave it to their conscience." He added, "This was an opportunity for reckoning, to show regret, contrition, and a willingness to apologise and work with us on this journey towards reparatory justice."

Ablakwa added that it is not too late for the US to reconsider its stance and join ongoing efforts. He said, "Ghana's message to the Trump administration is that you missed a golden opportunity, but it is not too late. This resolution has been passed." He also said, "You still have another opportunity to come on board and work with this broad international coalition to put in place the systems we are now formulating to dismantle the pillars of discrimination and racism."