US Vote Against Ghana’s Slave Trade Resolution “Disappointing” – Ablakwa

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has criticised the decision by the United States to vote against a United Nations resolution recognising the transatlantic slave trade as the “gravest crime against humanity.”

In an interview on BBC Focus on Africa on Friday, March 27, Ablakwa said the US vote represented a missed opportunity for historical accountability and reparative justice.

According to him, the refusal of the US to back the resolution denied it the chance to acknowledge its historical involvement in the slave trade and demonstrate remorse.

“The USA voting against is most disappointing because they know their role in this; they took part in the horrendous atrocities that happened. We will leave it to their conscience. This was an opportunity for reckoning to show that they regret it, are contrite, willing to apologise, and ready to work with us on the journey towards reparatory justice,” he said.

Ablakwa urged the US to reconsider its position, stressing that Ghana and the international community remain open to collaborative efforts.

“Ghana’s message to the Trump administration is that you missed a golden opportunity, but it is not too late. The resolution has been passed. You now have another chance to join this broad international coalition to establish systems aimed at dismantling the pillars of discrimination and racism,” he added.

He noted that the United States could still play a constructive role in addressing the lingering effects of slavery if it aligns with the global framework for reparatory justice.

About the Resolution

The resolution, presented by the Ghana at the United Nations on Wednesday, calls for renewed global commitment to reparatory justice for African nations and descendants of enslaved people. It urges member states to engage in structured dialogue and take concrete steps to tackle the enduring social, economic, and cultural consequences of slavery.

After extensive debate, the resolution passed with 123 votes in favour, while the United States, Argentina, and Israel voted against. Fifty-two countries abstained.

The US described the resolution as “highly problematic,” acknowledging the injustice of slavery but expressing concerns about the definition of beneficiaries for reparations.