Ghana Foreign Minister Addresses ICC and Durban Declaration at UN Meeting

Oct 1, 2026

New York City, New York Sep 30, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k17/k17kzvb8g4

Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, addressed the United Nations General Assembly during a high-level meeting commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

During his remarks, Ablakwa discussed Ghana's position on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and emphasized the importance of international institutions in addressing crimes against humanity.

The ICC needs our protection, not our condemnation, Ablakwa said while discussing accountability for serious international crimes and the principles outlined in the Durban Declaration.

The Foreign Minister also reflected on the continuing international discussion surrounding racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and historical injustice, key issues addressed by the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action

Ablakwa additionally raised the subject of Africa's representation within international institutions. He referred to the continent's population of approximately 1.4 billion while discussing its absence from permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council.

Another part of the address focused on reparatory justice and the historical consequences of slavery and the trafficking of enslaved Africans. Ablakwa referred to Ghana's involvement in United Nations initiatives addressing the historical impact of these practices.

According to the Minister, discussions surrounding reparatory justice include issues such as acknowledgment of historical wrongdoing, the return of cultural property and measures intended to address continuing consequences associated with historical injustices.

The remarks formed part of Ghana's participation in the UN meeting commemorating 25 years since the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

Concluding his remarks on the declaration, Ablakwa called for its commitments to be translated into practical action.

The high-level meeting provided participating countries with an opportunity to review the principles of the Durban Declaration and discuss continuing international efforts concerning racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.