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A 2024 parliamentary candidate for Assin South, Stephen Kofi Baidoo, has commended former President John Dramani Mahama for his role in the adoption of a landmark United Nations resolution recognising the Transatlantic Slave Trade as a crime against humanity.
The resolution, passed by the United Nations under the designation A/80/L.48, has been described as a major step toward addressing historical injustices and advancing global conversations on reparatory justice.
In a statement, Baidoo praised Mahama’s leadership as the African Union Champion for Reparations, noting that his diplomatic efforts helped elevate Africa’s voice on the global stage. He said the development marks a shift from symbolic acknowledgment to structured international dialogue on economic reform and justice for affected communities.
Baidoo, who has an academic background in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, reflected on his exposure to global inequalities during his studies abroad, stating that many modern disparities are rooted in historical injustices such as the slave trade.
He emphasized that the resolution should not only serve as recognition of past wrongs but also act as a catalyst for building fairer global systems. According to him, the upcoming “Decade of Reparations” (2026–2036) presents an opportunity for strategic partnerships between Africa and the diaspora.
Highlighting his roots in Assin, home to the historic Assin Manso Slave River, Baidoo said the significance of the resolution is both personal and global. He called for increased collaboration among African descendants worldwide to promote investment, technological exchange, and sustainable development.
He added that the focus must now shift toward translating the diplomatic success into tangible benefits for African people across the continent and in the diaspora.
Baidoo concluded by urging collective action to ensure that the recognition of history leads to meaningful progress and a more equitable global future.
