President John Dramani Mahama has described the adoption of a United Nations resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity as a historic milestone in the global pursuit of justice.

Speaking on his return from the United Nations on Sunday, President Mahama said the resolution marks a defining moment not only for Ghana but for Africa and people of African descent across the world.

According to him, the decision by the global body affirms a long-held truth about the scale and inhumanity of the transatlantic slave trade, which spanned over 400 years and left a lasting legacy on Black communities worldwide.

“This is the first time clarity and an official global record has been established at the highest level, acknowledging that nothing surpasses the inhumanity of the transatlantic slave trade,” he stated.

The President noted that Ghana, working closely with the African Union and CARICOM nations, played a key role in shaping the global consensus that led to the adoption of the resolution, which received the backing of over 120 countries.

He emphasised that many of the countries that supported the resolution were not directly involved in the slave trade, but chose to stand on the side of moral conscience and justice.

President Mahama described the development as a “moral victory,” stressing that it reinforces Ghana’s long-standing commitment to human dignity, justice, and global advocacy—values that date back to the country’s independence.

The United Nations General Assembly on march 25 approved a landmark resolution, spearheaded by Ghana, that formally declares slavery and the transatlantic slave trade as one of the greatest injustices against humanity and calls for reparations.

The resolution, which passed during a vote concluded on Wednesday, marks a diplomatic victory for Ghana and reflects growing global momentum toward addressing the historical atrocities of the slave trade and their enduring legacies.

The resolution passed with 123 member states voting in favour, 3 against, and 53 abstentions.