Latif Abubakar’s 'The Darkest Chapter' to Headline Ghana Theatre Festival Following Historic UN Resolution on Slavery

In a profound intersection of diplomacy and the arts, playwright Latif Abubakar has unveiled his 21st theatrical production, 'The Darkest Chapter,' inspired by a landmark United Nations resolution led by Ghana. On March 25, 2026, the UN General Assembly voted 123 to 3 to declare the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialized chattel enslavement as the gravest crime against humanity. This diplomatic victory, championed by President John Mahama and supported by Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has set the stage for a national reckoning through performance art, with the production serving as a cultural echo of the President’s testimony before the international body.

Produced by Globe Productions in partnership with the National Theatre, 'The Darkest Chapter' is an ambitious musical dance experience that spans four centuries of history. The narrative is anchored by a central character known as 'The Witness,' who embodies the harrowing journey and resilience of enslaved Africans across generations. The production is a technical and artistic feat, staged across multiple realms to fuse West African and Caribbean dance traditions with a diverse, live musical score. Abubakar’s work aims to move beyond mere storytelling, functioning as an immersive dialogue on justice, remembrance, and the enduring quest for human rights.

As the headline act for this year’s Ghana Theatre Festival at the National Theatre in Accra, the play is positioned as a pivotal moment for Ghanaian cultural expression. Beyond its historical focus, the production is designed to prompt modern social change and national pride, inviting audiences to confront the implications of the past on contemporary justice. Organizers have scheduled the performance for a three-night run, including matinee sessions, to accommodate wide public engagement. Tickets are priced at GHS 200 and are available through digital platforms and USSD codes, reflecting an effort to make this historic narrative accessible to a broad audience.

While the premiere is centered in Accra, 'The Darkest Chapter' carries global aspirations, with plans to bring the production to various international cities. By weaving together the threads of history, diplomacy, and performing arts, Abubakar and his team aim to ensure that the sun does not set on the memory of those who suffered, while celebrating the resilience that eventually led to the global declaration of slavery as a crime against humanity. The production stands as a testament to Ghana's leadership in the global conversation on reparations and historical justice.