Washington:Ghana's Ambassador to the United States, Victor Smith, revealed that he was summoned by the US State Department to address concerns over President John Dramani Mahama's comments on reparations for the transatlantic slave trade and colonization. This follows the United Nations General Assembly's resolution on March 25, 2026, declaring the slave trade a grave crime against humanity, spurred by President Mahama's call for reparations.
According to Ghana Web, the US Deputy Secretary of State led a panel that questioned Ambassador Smith after President Mahama's speech on reparations reportedly drew objections from the US administration. Smith recounted the incident during a Channel One TV interview on November 2, 2026.
During the meeting, Ambassador Smith defended President Mahama's statements, asserting he would provide evidence of efforts to remove Black history from American school curricula. He questioned the basis of the objections, stating that the President's remarks at the UN were grounded in truth.
The exchange reportedly became heated, with US officials expressing displeasure over President Mahama's decision to make such remarks on American soil. Smith noted that the Secretary of State was particularly angry, leading to a tense atmosphere at the State Department.
After the meeting, Ambassador Smith contacted President Mahama and the Minister for Foreign Affairs to brief them on the developments. He indicated that the foreign minister also took action by addressing the situation with the US ambassador.