AU adopts Ghana-led resolution by consensus, Mahama outlines global diplomatic push

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government adopted a Ghana-led resolution recognising the transatlantic slave trade and racialised chattel enslavement as foundational crimes against humanity by consensus at its 39th Ordinary Session.

Speaking at a press conference during the summit on Sunday, February 15, President Mahama described the adoption as a historic achievement that provides Ghana with a “clear and unified continental mandate.”

The President revealed that Ghana’s next major engagement will be at the 50th regular meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) later this month.

“The Caribbean and Africa share a deeply intertwined history. Their support will be pivotal to the tabling of this resolution,” he noted.

From February 20, 2026, Ghana will commence intensive diplomatic engagements in New York with CARICOM, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Group of 77 in China, the European Union, and other regional groupings.

Informal consultations on the draft text of the resolution are expected to take place between 23rd February, and 12th March, 2026.

President Mahama emphasised that the objective of the initiative is straightforward: to build a broad consensus behind the resolution.

He stressed that the initiative is not directed at any particular nation but is “directed towards truth, recognition and reconciliation.”

“The adoption of this decision by consensus demonstrates Africa’s unified voice and commitment to acknowledging historical injustices. We now move to translate that unity into global support for recognition and reparatory dialogue,” he added.

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