Ablakwa Cancels Airport Reception, Says UN Reparations Win Is a National Achievement

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has directed that plans to organise a ceremony in his honour at Kotoka International Airport be cancelled, stressing that Ghana’s recent diplomatic milestone at the United Nations should not be personalised.

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In a Facebook post ahead of his return, Mr Ablakwa revealed that staff of the Ministry had arranged a surprise welcome to celebrate his role in securing global backing for a landmark resolution on reparations linked to the transatlantic slave trade. While acknowledging the gesture, he instructed that the event be called off immediately.

He explained that the achievement represents a collective national effort rather than an individual success and therefore should not be marked with personal accolades.

Mr Ablakwa was part of a high-level delegation led by President John Dramani Mahama to the United Nations, where Ghana spearheaded the adoption of a historic resolution on reparatory justice. The resolution, passed by the UN General Assembly on March 25, 2026, is being hailed as a significant step in addressing the legacy of slavery.

Upon returning to Ghana, President Mahama praised the Foreign Affairs Minister and his team for their extensive diplomatic engagements, noting the critical role they played in rallying international support for the initiative.

Despite the commendation, Mr Ablakwa reiterated that the success belongs to Ghana as a nation and highlighted that further work remains to advance the reparations agenda globally.

He also commended the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their professionalism and dedication, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to maintaining a strong presence on the international stage and continuing to champion issues of historical justice.

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