Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has delivered a strong message to the administration of Donald Trump after the United States voted against a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly to declare the enslavement of Africans a crime against humanity.

In an interview with BBC Africa, sighted by GhanaWeb on March 27, 2026, Ablakwa described the US decision as disappointing, noting that the country played a role in the atrocities committed during the transatlantic slave trade.

According to him, the vote at the United Nations General Assembly, spearheaded by Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, presented an opportunity for the US to express remorse for its involvement.

We poured libation, called on our ancestors ahead of UN address – President Mahama

“Particularly for the United States, it is most disappointing because they know their role in this. They took part in the horrendous atrocities that occurred. We will leave it to their conscience.

"This was an opportunity for reckoning, to show regret, contrition, and a willingness to apologise and work with us on this journey towards reparatory justice,” he said.

Ablakwa further stated that the Trump administration had missed an opportunity to redeem itself by failing to support the resolution.

Council of State congratulates Mahama on UN slavery resolution victory

He added, however, that it is not too late for the US to reconsider its stance and join ongoing efforts.

“Ghana’s message to the Trump administration is that you missed a golden opportunity, but it is not too late. This resolution has been passed.

“You still have another opportunity to come on board and work with this broad international coalition to put in place the systems we are now formulating to dismantle the pillars of discrimination and racism,” he added.

Watch the video below:

Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa told the BBC’s Focus on Africa the Trump administration “missed a golden opportunity” by voting against a UN resolution recognising the transatlantic slave trade as the "gravest crime against humanity." pic.twitter.com/1hpjr7mYpu

— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) March 27, 2026