Ghana has rejected calls for the abolition of the International Criminal Court (ICC), insisting the institution should instead be strengthened to ensure those responsible for crimes against humanity are held to account.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa delivered the position during a high-level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly marking the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.
Speaking on the need to confront racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, Ablakwa said the commitments made in Durban in 2001 must now translate into tangible results rather than remain political statements.
“The Durban commitments must translate into concrete action,” he said.
He recalled that the international community had adopted a comprehensive framework 25 years ago to address historical injustice and dismantle structures that perpetuate inequality.
Ablakwa expressed concern that a quarter of a century later, the world still finds it necessary to reaffirm that all people are created equal and that Black lives matter.
He also pointed to ongoing violence in Palestine, describing the situation as a genocide unfolding and warning that the two-state solution endorsed by the General Assembly risks becoming an empty paradigm.
The minister’s remarks come as some countries have questioned the ICC’s legitimacy and relevance.
Ghana’s stance places it among nations arguing for reform and reinforcement of the court rather than its dismantling, framing accountability for grave international crimes as essential to justice and the fight against impunity.
Ablakwa linked the anniversary of the Durban Declaration to broader demands for reparations and the dismantling of systemic inequality, underscoring Ghana’s long-standing advocacy on these issues within multilateral forums.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
