The Government of Ghana has welcomed what it describes as a significant step by France toward reparatory justice for the transatlantic enslavement of Africans, following recent announcements by French President Emmanuel Macron.
In a press release issued by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday May 23, 2026, the government praised President Macron’s decision to work with Ghana on reparatory justice issues and his commitment to introducing new anti-slavery measures in France.
The announcement was made during an event marking the 25th anniversary of France’s law recognising slavery as a crime against humanity.
According to the statement, President John Mahama commended President Macron for his “honest, open, conciliatory and exemplary leadership” on the issue, describing the development as an important moment in the global conversation on reparations and historical accountability.
Ghana also expressed readiness to collaborate with France on a proposed Ghana-France Scientific Commission expected to be established in Ghana as part of efforts to deepen research, dialogue and engagement on reparatory justice.
The government further confirmed that President Macron has accepted an invitation to address the upcoming “Next Steps” High-Level Conference on Reparatory Justice scheduled to take place in Accra from 17 to 19 June 2026.
The conference is expected to bring together Heads of State, ministers, scholars and civil society representatives from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe and the Americas to discuss pathways toward reparatory justice, institutional partnerships and historical redress.
The Ministry stated that Ghana views the recent developments as part of the momentum generated by the adoption of a Ghana-led United Nations resolution on 25 March 2026.
The resolution, adopted by 123 member states, recognised the transatlantic enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity and called on countries to engage constructively on reparatory justice.
Ghana noted that reparatory justice discussions should include issues such as apologies, guarantees of non-repetition, return of artefacts, compensation, healing and the repeal of colonial-era laws linked to slavery.
The statement also welcomed France’s intention to repeal the colonial-era “Code Noir” statutes, which governed slavery in French colonies.
“The historic resolution of 25th March 2026 carries the potential to mark a turning point in the international pursuit of justice for the descendants of the enslaved,” the statement said.
Government further reaffirmed Ghana’s willingness to engage bilaterally and multilaterally with countries and institutions prepared to support reparatory justice efforts in good faith.
CREDIT: Mavis Fantevi
