UN Approves Mahama’s Motion on Slave Trade Reparations
Accra, Ghana — March 25, 2026
Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has achieved a historic diplomatic milestone as the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed his motion calling for reparations for the transatlantic slave trade. The resolution, adopted on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, received the support of 123 UN member states, marking a significant step toward global reparative justice.
The motion, championed under Ghana’s leadership, urges UN member states to engage in structured dialogue and implement concrete measures that acknowledge and address the enduring social, economic, and cultural impacts of slavery.
After extensive debate, the resolution was adopted with 123 votes in favor, while three countries—the United States, Argentina, and Israel—voted against it, and 52 nations abstained.
The United States, while recognizing the historical wrongs of slavery, expressed reservations about the resolution. In a statement delivered during the plenary session, the US representative said:
“While we recognize the wrongs of the past, we are unclear on who the beneficiaries of reparatory justice would be, and therefore cannot support the resolution at this time.”
Despite the opposition, the adoption of Mahama’s motion is being hailed as a milestone in international efforts to confront the legacies of the transatlantic slave trade. It signals a growing global commitment to justice, remembrance, and reparative measures for affected nations and descendants of enslaved people.
The resolution reflects Ghana’s continued leadership in advocating for African nations and the global African diaspora, reinforcing calls for accountability and historical recognition on an international scale.
By: Aboagye Yaw Ankomah