President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, yesterday, presided over a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the African Burial Ground National Monument, commemorating the legacy of enslaved Africans and contemplating their lasting impact.
The memorial event attracted several prominent figures, including Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani and esteemed Civil Rights leader Al Sharpton, who came together to honor the lives, strength, and contributions of those who suffered through the atrocities of slavery.
President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, met with the Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, at a wreath-laying ceremony at the African Burial Ground National Monument in Lower Manhattan on Tuesday, March 24, 2026
During the ceremony, President Mahama highlighted the importance of the site and the painful history it embodies.
“We lay this wreath to honor the memories of nearly 20,000 Africans buried here, many of whom were enslaved, though some were free,” he remarked.
The African Burial Ground National Monument stands as one of the most significant historical locations in the United States, safeguarding the remains of both enslaved and free Africans who lived and perished in colonial New York.
Reflecting on Ghana’s historical connections to the transatlantic slave trade, President Mahama pointed out that Ghana is home to over thirty slave castles and forts, more than any other African nation, indicating that many individuals buried at this site may have passed through or originated from modern-day Ghana.
In a heartfelt tribute, the President urged for ongoing remembrance of the victims of slavery and their lasting impact.
“We lay this wreath in memory of all those affected by slavery and the transatlantic slave trade, the men, women, and children taken from their homes and loved ones to be enslaved in distant lands, as well as the families they left behind… whose lives were irrevocably changed,” he expressed.
The event highlights the increasing global efforts to address the legacy of slavery and to foster discussions around justice, healing, and reparations for communities impacted worldwide.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong