Ghana Seeks Commonwealth Backing for UN Resolution on Transatlantic Slave Trade

Ghana has intensified its campaign for international recognition of the atrocities of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, urging member states of the Commonwealth of Nations to support a proposed resolution at the United Nations that seeks to declare the centuries-long trade the greatest crime against humanity.

Speaking at the 26th meeting of Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers in London, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, called on Commonwealth countries to unite behind the initiative before the resolution is presented for a vote on March 25.

According to the minister, the resolution represents a crucial milestone in the global effort to acknowledge the scale of suffering and historical injustice caused by the forced enslavement of millions of Africans. He stressed that formally recognising the transatlantic slave trade as the greatest crime against humanity would help advance ongoing discussions on justice, restitution and the long-term consequences of slavery.

Mr. Ablakwa told the gathering that Ghana intends to draw strong attention to the proposal during international deliberations, noting that the upcoming vote offers the global community an opportunity to confront one of the darkest chapters in human history.

He appealed directly to Commonwealth member states to lend their support, emphasising that their collective backing could play a decisive role in the success of the resolution at the United Nations.

The minister also highlighted that the initiative has already secured the endorsement of the African Union, reflecting a growing continental consensus on the need for formal international recognition of the historic injustice.

Ghana believes the Commonwealth, which includes several countries historically linked to the slave trade, can play a meaningful role in shaping global dialogue on reparative justice. Mr. Ablakwa expressed optimism that the organisation would stand with Ghana and other African states in pushing for acknowledgement and accountability.

The proposed UN resolution forms part of wider international calls for reflection on the enduring social, economic and cultural impacts of the slave trade, as well as renewed conversations on restitution and historical responsibility.

If adopted, supporters say the resolution would mark a significant step toward global recognition of the magnitude of the crime and its lasting legacy.