Ghana has expressed its “sincere appreciation” to UN member states following the adoption of Resolution A/RES/80/250 on 25 March 2026, which formally recognises the International Day for the Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

The resolution was approved by 123 countries in the UN General Assembly, with all 15 members of the United Nations Security Council reportedly voting in favour.

The vote, however, revealed divisions among member states. The United States, Argentina, and Israel voted against the resolution, which explicitly described slavery and the transatlantic slave trade as a “crime against humanity” and called for reparations. All 27 members of the European Union abstained, citing concerns over the language describing slavery as “the gravest crime against humanity.”

Gabriella Michaelidou, the Cypriot deputy UN ambassador whose government currently holds the EU’s six-month presidency, warned that such phrasing could imply “a hierarchy among atrocity crimes,” potentially creating diplomatic sensitivities regarding other human rights violations.

Ghanaian officials framed the adoption as a significant milestone in advancing justice, recognition, and healing for the millions affected by slavery. Discussions following the vote included John Dramani Mahama, emphasising the need for continued dialogue and public awareness around the transatlantic slave trade’s enduring legacy.

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The resolution further positions Ghana as a leading voice in global governance, highlighting its democratic credentials and influence in shaping international priorities such as sustainable development and global health.

While the resolution’s adoption is expected to strengthen international observance of the remembrance day and promote educational initiatives, the abstentions and opposing votes underscore ongoing debates over historical accountability, reparations, and the framing of atrocities within the UN system.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) recently convened journalists from across Africa and beyond for a webinar to strengthen public understanding, foster trust, and empower the media to play an active role in championing AfCFTA protocols. Titled “From Negotiation to Implementation: Empowering the Media to Champion AfCFTA,” the session focused on bridging the gap between policy formulation and public awareness, highlighting the role of journalists in interpreting and communicating key developments.

Hosted via Zoom by Samuel Agyeman of the AfCFTA media team, the webinar was conducted under the leadership of Cynthia E. Gnassingbe-Essonam, AfCFTA Secretariat serving as Director of Private Sector Engagement & Communications, and Dr. Tsotetsi Makong (PhD), Director of Coordination and Programmes at the Secretariat. The session provided participants with an in-depth overview of the organisation’s ongoing implementation processes, recent organisational changes, and practical insights on AfCFTA protocol execution.

The webinar was designed to familiarize media professionals with both the strategic and operational aspects of AfCFTA, equipping them to report accurately on the agreement’s impact on African economies, businesses, and communities. By engaging journalists in this way, AfCFTA aims to strengthen the connection between policy and public discourse, ensuring media coverage reflects both the opportunities and challenges presented by Africa’s largest trade agreement.

A coalition of Barbadian civil society groups has launched a humanitarian initiative to assist Cuba as the island continues to grapple with acute shortages linked to longstanding US sanctions and fuel constraints.

The Barbados–Cuba Relief Initiative, led by the Hibiscus Sports and Culture Foundation in collaboration with the Barbados-Cuba Friendship Association, aims to mobilise community support and deliver essential supplies to Cuban communities facing mounting economic strain.

Organisers say the campaign will focus on collecting and shipping critical items, including medical supplies, food staples and solar-powered equipment, as Cuba confronts persistent disruptions to energy and supply chains. The initiative is framed as a grassroots response to worsening material conditions on the island, where access to basic goods has become increasingly limited.

The effort is also being positioned within a wider regional context. Campaign leaders have called for stronger Caribbean coordination and indicated that outreach to CARICOM member states is under consideration, with the aim of building a broader humanitarian corridor to Cuba.

Supporters of the initiative point to the longstanding ties between Barbados and Cuba, noting Havana’s history of providing medical brigades and disaster relief assistance across the Caribbean. For many involved, the campaign represents not only an emergency response but a continuation of a reciprocal relationship rooted in regional solidarity.