GIGS hails UN Equal Earth map adoption as correction to 450 years of injustice

The Ghana Institute of Governance and Security (GIGS) has expressed satisfaction with the United Nations General Assembly's endorsement of the Equal Earth map projection. GIGS perceives this move as a crucial initiative to alter global perceptions of Africa's size and importance. The UN General Assembly ratified the resolution on September 4, 2026, with 164 nations supporting it, Sweden opposing, and six abstaining.

The initiative was spearheaded by Togo on behalf of the African Union and co-sponsored by the Bahamas. The United States was the sole detractor.

Dr. David Agbee, GIGS' Executive Director, highlighted that the resolution, coupled with another recognizing the Transatlantic Slave Trade as a severe crime against humanity, marks a significant stride towards rectifying historical injustices impacting Africa. GIGS emphasized that cartographic representation can sway perceptions of power, significance, and opportunity.

They cited Togo's Foreign Minister, Robert Dussey, who advocated for a 'fair world beginning with a fair map', asserting that maps aren't neutral. GIGS stressed that maps aren't mere geographical renderings but tools of power; their continued use of projections that shrink Africa could have dire consequences beyond cartography. It cited the Mercator projection's distortion of Africa, making it appear smaller than it is, as a prime example, contrasting it with Greenland's actual size.

GIGS argued that the UN resolution is more than a cartographic preference change. They view it as a step towards confronting and rectifying the broader perceptional architecture that has under-represented Africa's true scale and standing. GIGS encourages Ghanaian and African education authorities to integrate Equal Earth maps into curricula, textbooks, and other educational materials.

They also advocate for African governments and the African Union to sustain the "Correct the Map" campaign and broaden discussions to include the legacy of colonial-era borders. Lastly, GIGS urges technology companies and media houses to reconsider the map projections used in their digital platforms to reflect the UN-endorsed change.