Ghana rejects attempts to abrogate ICC, calls for stronger court at UN meeting

Ghana firmly opposes efforts to abolish the International Criminal Court (ICC) and instead advocates for its strengthening to ensure accountability for crimes against humanity. This stance was articulated by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly, which marked the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

Ablakwa emphasized that the ICC requires our protection, not condemnation, and called for severe consequences for those who commit heinous acts against humanity while flagrantly violating the principles of the Durban Declaration. He highlighted the ongoing issues of racism, racial discrimination, and historical injustice, noting that despite the declaration's adoption 25 years ago, the world continues to grapple with anti-Black racism, xenophobic attacks, and the ongoing crises in Palestine and Sudan.

The minister questioned the absence of a permanent African seat on the UN Security Council, considering that Africa is home to 1.4 billion people. Turning to the issue of reparatory justice, Ablakwa stressed that the consequences of slavery and the trafficking of enslaved Africans continue to shape present-day inequalities. He pointed to the recent adoption of a Ghana-led UN resolution declaring the trafficking of enslaved Africans as the gravest crime against humanity.

Ghana is now seeking a sincere apology, the return of stolen assets, reparations for ongoing harm, and a commitment to prevent such atrocities from occurring again. Ablakwa stressed that the Durban Commitments must become a reality, not just a slogan, during his address to the General Assembly.