Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced that a recent United Nations (UN) resolution addressing the trafficking of enslaved Africans signals an “irreversible shift.” This shift moves towards accountability, restitution, and reparatory justice. He urged countries to engage in “good faith dialogue” rather than fostering division.
Addressing the Diplomatic Corps at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Ablakwa highlighted a significant part of the resolution. It calls for the “prompt and unhindered restitution of cultural properties.” This includes artifacts, monuments, manuscripts, and archives of historical and spiritual importance to their original countries. He stated this recognition confirms a growing international agreement that returning cultural items is about justice, not kindness.
This development aligns with a broader push for historical reconciliation and economic redress in Africa. Many African nations, including Ghana, have long advocated for the return of cultural heritage. They also seek financial reparations for historical injustices like the transatlantic slave trade. This movement has gained momentum with increased global awareness of systemic inequalities. Data indicates that between 10 million and 12 million Africans were forcibly transported across the Atlantic Ocean. Their unpaid labor generated immense wealth for colonial powers, the economic impact of this historical exploitation is still being assessed today by economists and historians.
Minister Ablakwa praised the United States government for a similar principle. He noted that the US Congress passed a measure, signed into law by President Trump, allowing Jewish people to reclaim artifacts held by Nazis or others. “It is a similar principle, and we commend the Americans for that decision,” Ablakwa said. He added, “The return of stolen heritage is integral to restoring historical dignity, reclaiming narrative agency and repairing cultural memory.”
The resolution also grounds the discussion around reparations in a “multilateral consensus.” This establishes a shared moral and political foundation for talks on “reparatory justice, systemic reform and historical reckoning.” Ablakwa described this as an “irreversible shift from denial and minimization toward responsibility, dialogue and constructive engagement.” He emphasized Ghana’s willingness to create effective platforms for this dialogue. His hope is that this process will lead to healing rather than bitterness or division.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron also received commendation for his constructive approach. During a meeting with President John Mahama in Paris, Macron expressed France’s willingness to engage, despite abstaining from the UN vote. “President Macron said he does not want this discussion to become a Global South against a Global North discussion,” Ablakwa recounted. He added that Macron believes common ground can be found, capturing the spirit of the resolution.
Minister Ablakwa appealed to all nations to join the dialogue, regardless of their vote on the resolution. He reiterated that the resolution aims for justice and restitution. It also seeks to dismantle all structures of racism. The UN General Assembly adopted this resolution earlier this month. Ghana, in response, has moved intentionally to ensure this moment leads to concrete actions. The nation is set to host a High-Level Consultative Conference. This conference will determine the next steps in pursuing these critical objectives.