Mahama warns of global impact of US 'erasure' of Black history

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has accused the US government of normalizing, what he terms as the erasure of Black history, warning that such actions could influence policies in other countries.

He criticized recent moves by US President Donald Trump targeting cultural and historical institutions, including museums, monuments, and national parks, to remove what the administration describes as "anti-American" ideology.

Dismantling of slavery exhibits

According to Mahama, such policies have led to the dismantling of slavery exhibits, the restoration of Confederate statues, and other steps that civil rights advocates say risk reversing decades of social progress.

"These policies are becoming a template for other governments as well as some private institutions," President Mahama said at a United Nations event in New York focused on slavery reparations. 

"At the very least, they are slowly normalizing the erasure."

He added that Black history courses are being removed from school curricula in the US, while institutions are being directed to avoid teaching the full history of slavery, segregation, and racism. Books addressing these topics, he said, are also increasingly being banned.

Responding to the remarks, a White House spokesperson defended Trump's record, saying he had done more for Black Americans than any other president and highlighting what they described as "historic support" from Black voters during the 2024 election.

"He is working around the clock to deliver for them and make our country greater than ever before," the spokesperson said.

Mahama is in New York to present a draft resolution to the UN General Assembly, that seeks to recognize transatlantic slavery as the "gravest crime in the history of humankind" and to call for reparations.

The resolution urges member states to engage in dialogue on reparations, including formal apologies, the return of stolen artifacts, financial compensation, and guarantees against recurrence.

Ghana has been a leading voice in the reparations movement, which has gained momentum in recent years despite growing resistance. Several Western leaders oppose such discussions, arguing that present-day governments should not be held accountable for historical injustices.

The draft resolution is backed by the African Union, the Caribbean Community, and countries including Brazil. 

Ghana's foreign ministry has indicated both the United States and the European Union have indicated they will not support it.

(Edited by CGTN Africa Reporter Halligan Agade)