President John Dramani Mahama has firmly rejected the idea that historical injustices like slavery should be excused based on the norms of the past, describing such arguments as deeply misguided.

Speaking at a high-level event on reparatory justice at the United Nations headquarters on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, President Mahama delivered a passionate message about the need to confront the legacy of slavery with honesty and moral clarity.

The event, which focused on justice for the trafficking and enslavement of Africans, brought together global leaders and advocates pushing for recognition of the long-lasting impact of slavery on African communities and the diaspora.

Brazil joins Ghana's UN campaign to declare slave trade 'gravest crime against humanity'

“People will sometimes put a disclaimer to say that you cannot use the social norms of the past to judge historical actions and events. Well, such people are loud and wrong,” he said.

He added, “Just because everybody is doing something doesn’t make it right. Slavery is wrong now, and it was wrong then.”

President Mahama emphasised that the forced movement of Africans across continents was not just a historical event, but a grave injustice that stripped people of their dignity and humanity.

He noted that even during those dark periods, there were individuals who recognised the wrong and spoke out against it.

“The entire transatlantic slave trade was designed to deny African people their humanity,” he added, pointing out that the system was built on a false racial hierarchy that elevated whiteness above blackness without any scientific basis.



NA/MA

Fifi Kwetey drops cryptic message amid rumours of Zanetor’s appointment