The Government of Ghana has welcomed what it described as a “historic and courageous” decision by France to engage in reparatory justice discussions over the transatlantic enslavem
The report indicates that the Government of Ghana has welcomed what it described as a “historic and courageous” decision by France to engage in reparatory justice discussions over the transatlantic enslavement of Africans, following major policy announcements by French President Emmanuel Macron.
It further notes that in a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, May 23, 2026, the government commended President Macron for what it called his “honest, open, conciliatory and exemplary leadership” on one of the most sensitive historical injustices confronting the global Black community.
The statement follows President Macron’s recent declaration during events marking the 25th anniversary of France’s law recognising slavery as a crime against humanity, where he announced new anti-slavery measures and signalled France’s readiness to work with Ghana on reparatory justice initiatives.
The Government of Ghana stated the development represented an important milestone in the growing international movement seeking acknowledgement, redress and reconciliation over centuries of transatlantic slavery and colonial exploitation.
According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Ghana looks forward to deepening cooperation with France through a proposed Ghana-France Scientific Commission expected to be established in Ghana.
The commission is expected to facilitate scholarly research, historical documentation and broader institutional cooperation on issues relating to slavery, reparatory justice and historical accountability.
President John Dramani Mahama, who currently serves as the African Union Champion on Reparatory Justice, also expressed appreciation to President Macron for accepting an invitation to participate in the upcoming “Next Steps” High-Level Conference on Reparatory Justice scheduled to take place in Accra from June 17 to June 19, 2026.
Je demande au gouvernement de faire sienne la proposition de loi visant à abroger le code noir. pic.twitter.com/qIksFz3HaM
The summit is expected to bring together Heads of State, ministers, diplomats, academics, civil society organisations and reparatory justice advocates from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe and the Americas.
Government officials say the conference will seek to move global conversations on reparations beyond symbolic acknowledgement towards concrete policy frameworks and sustained international engagement.
The Ministry noted that the latest developments followed the landmark adoption of a Ghana-led United Nations General Assembly resolution on March 25, 2026, which recognised the transatlantic enslavement of Africans as “the gravest crime against humanity.”
The resolution, adopted with the support of 123 member states, called on nations to engage constructively on reparatory justice and establish mechanisms for honest engagement with the enduring consequences of slavery.
Government described the resolution as a turning point in the international conversation on reparations.
Il y a 25 ans, la loi du 21 mai 2001 a reconnu et qualifié la traite négrière et l'esclavage dans sa vérité : un crime contre l'humanité. Cette loi venait de loin et était nécessaire. Chère Christiane Taubira, merci de l'avoir portée avec courage, force et dignité. pic.twitter.com/4q07RbVNkB
