United Nations Overwhelmingly Backs Ghana’s Resolution Designating Slave Trade a Crime Against Humanity

Ghana wins 123-3 UN vote to label the transatlantic slave trade a crime against humanity, as President Mahama calls for formal apologies and artifact returns.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 25, 2026, 3:44 PM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Bloomberg/Live Mint

A Landmark Diplomatic Victory in New York

The Republic of Ghana has secured a historic mandate at the United Nations, successfully leading a global effort to redefine the legal and moral legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. President John Mahama’s resolution, presented Wednesday at the General Assembly, calls for the formal recognition of the centuries-long trade as a "crime against humanity." The vote represents a culmination of decades of advocacy by the African Union and Caribbean nations, signaling a shift in the international community’s willingness to address the structural origins of global inequality.

The Tally: Global Support vs. Western Hesitation

The resolution passed with a resounding majority of 123 votes. However, the geographic and political divide among member states was stark:

In Favor: 123 nations, including the vast majority of African, Asian, and Latin American states.

Against: 3 nations—the United States, Israel, and Argentina.