Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has assured that Ghana harbours no resentment towards countries that opposed or abstained from the recent United Nations resolution on slavery reparations.
Addressing members of the diplomatic corps in Accra, the Minister stressed that Ghana remains committed to maintaining cordial relations with all nations, regardless of their voting stance.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, May 3, Mr Ablakwa explained that the meeting was convened to express appreciation to the international community for the strong backing that led to the adoption of the resolution. The motion recognises transatlantic enslavement as the gravest crime against humanity.
“I held a briefing of the diplomatic corps in Ghana to convey the appreciation of President John Mahama and all Ghanaians for their support during the historic UN adoption of the resolution,” he stated.
He added that Ghana does not expect the decisions of countries that voted against or abstained to affect existing diplomatic ties.
“I assured the few who voted against and abstained that the Government of Ghana bears no grudge and does not expect their decisions to undermine our cordial diplomatic relations,” he wrote.
Mr Ablakwa also revealed that Ghana is leading a growing global coalition for reparatory justice, which now includes more than 123 countries. He invited other nations to join the initiative as it enters its next phase.
According to him, the coalition seeks to address the long-term impact of transatlantic slavery through sustained dialogue and coordinated international efforts.
He further commended countries such as the Netherlands and Germany for their commitment to returning artefacts taken from Africa during the colonial period.
On March 25, 2026, a total of 123 countries voted in favour of the resolution at the UN General Assembly, following a motion tabled by President John Dramani Mahama. Despite opposition from the United States, Argentina and Israel, and abstentions by 52 countries, the resolution was successfully adopted.
