President John Mahama on Sunday returned home from the United Nations General Assembly in New York to a warm reception after Ghana secured the adoption of its slavery resolution.

The President was received at the Kotoka International Airport by Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and a cross-section of Ghanaians.

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), by a vote of 123 countries, adopted Ghana’s resolution to recognise the transatlantic slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity”.

Three countries – the United States, Israel and Argentina – voted against the resolution, while 52 abstained, including European Union member states and Britain.

The resolution, tabled by President Mahama in his capacity as African Union Champion for Reparations, is expected to advance global dialogue on justice, healing and reparative measures.

The transatlantic slave trade, which spanned the 15th to the 19th centuries, forcibly removed an estimated 12 to 15 million Africans from the continent under brutal conditions.

Historical records indicate that up to two million perished during the Middle Passage alone, with countless others dying in raids, forced marches and captivity.

Key coastal enclaves in present-day Ghana, including Elmina and Cape Coast, became major transit points, leaving enduring demographic, social and economic distortions across Africa and its diaspora.

Addressing the gathering on arrival, President Mahama described the development as a collective victory.

“This is a victory not only for Ghana, but for a broad coalition of Africans, people of African descent, CARICOM, and all people of good conscience around the world,” he said.

He noted that although the issue of the slave trade had been acknowledged in parts over the years, efforts had remained fragmented.

“The significance of what we have done is to bring it together and place it on the highest global platform, and to put on record that this was the gravest crime against humanity,” he said.

President Mahama commended Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, for mobilising international support for the resolution.

“I gave the guidance, but they did the legwork. The thousands of kilometres he travelled from country to country canvassing support must be acknowledged,” he said.

He also praised Ghana’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Mr Samuel Yao Kumah, Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Mr Victor Smith, and their teams for their roles in preparing for the engagement.

“They deserve the real honour because they did the work. I only provided the guidance,” he added.

The President expressed appreciation to CARICOM partners and the 123 countries that supported the resolution, noting that many of them were neither directly affected by nor involved in the slave trade, but acted out of conscience.

He also thanked the Vice President and Ghanaians for the warm reception.

“I am deeply honoured by your presence and your continued support. This moment belongs to all the people of Ghana,” he said.

Touching on the significance of the resolution, President Mahama said Ghana had stood not only for itself but for Africa and the global African diaspora.

He said the resolution affirmed the need for acknowledgement, remembrance and redress of the historical injustice.

“This is not about the past alone. It is about justice, dignity and truth. It is about ensuring that the legacy of slavery is neither forgotten nor trivialised,” he said.

The President said the resolution marked the beginning of a process towards concrete outcomes, including collaboration with partners to advance CARICOM’s 10-point plan on reparative justice.

Vice President Opoku-Agyemang congratulated President Mahama on the successful adoption of the resolution.

“You have helped to secure a more precise global position on a difficult history. Congratulations on your perseverance,” she said.

She also commended him for receiving the International Statesperson Award from the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia in recognition of his leadership in international affairs.

“With respect and pride, we welcome you back home. Akwaaba,” she added.