Latif Abubakar’s "The Darkest Chapter" Stages President Mahama’s Historic UN Resolution on Enslavement

On March 25, 2026, the United Nations General Assembly passed a landmark resolution, voting 123 to 3 to declare the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialized chattel enslavement as the gravest crime against humanity. This historic diplomatic victory, led by Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama and supported by Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has now become the creative catalyst for a new theatrical masterpiece. Titled "The Darkest Chapter," the production is the 21st work by renowned playwright Latif Abubakar and serves as a profound artistic response to President Mahama’s testimony at the UN.

Produced by Globe Productions in partnership with the National Theatre, "The Darkest Chapter" is an immersive musical dance experience that spans four centuries of history. Central to the narrative is a character known as "The Witness," who serves as a living vessel for the collective memory and historical journey of enslaved Africans. The production is notable for its ambitious artistic fusion, blending diverse West African and Caribbean dance traditions with a live musical score to create a visceral exploration of tragedy, resilience, and the ongoing quest for justice.

The play will headline this year’s Ghana Theatre Festival at the National Theatre in Accra, with a scheduled run of three nights including matinee performances. Abubakar’s latest work is designed not only as a cultural celebration of Ghanaian heritage but also as a call to action for global audiences to confront the historical injustices that continue to shape the modern world. Tickets for the Accra performances are priced at GHS 200 and can be secured via the USSD code 4471092# or through the official Globe Productions website.

Beyond its local premiere, "The Darkest Chapter" is expected to embark on a global tour, bringing Ghana’s perspective on human rights and historical reckoning to international stages. By translating high-level diplomacy into the language of the performing arts, the production aims to ensure that the "reckoning" achieved at the United Nations resonates far beyond the halls of government. As the play moves from the National Theatre to cities worldwide, it remains a powerful reminder of the importance of collective memory and the pursuit of historical justice.