Mahama disappointed by US opposition to UN slavery resolution

President John Dramani Mahama expressed disappointment over the United States' decision to oppose a UN resolution recognizing the transatlantic slave trade as the worst crime against humanity. Speaking with TRT World, Mahama stated he expected the United States not to shoulder the primary blame for the slave trade. He explained that most Africans transported to the U.S. were brought by European powers at a time when the U.S. was still a colony.

Mahama acknowledged slavery persisted in the U.S. after independence until the Civil War, but argued the country should not bear the same historical responsibility as European nations that organized the trafficking. He expressed concern that while European countries with direct links to the slave trade abstained, the U.S. voted against the resolution.

The UN resolution, led by Mahama as African Union Champion for reparations, calls for dialogue on reparatory justice and restitution of cultural property. It is not legally binding but carries political and moral significance. The vote marked a milestone in Ghana's reparations campaign, which seeks to promote truth, healing, and practical measures to address slavery's lasting impacts.

The European Union abstained due to concerns over the resolution's legal language regarding reparations and applying international law to historical events. Ghana's reparations efforts will continue to shape its international diplomacy.