Ghana Welcomes France’s Commitment to Reparatory Justice for Transatlantic Slavery

Edited by: Solomon Kwabena Nana-Ansah – Paaps- 

The Government of Ghana has welcomed France’s decision to work with Ghana on reparatory justice for the transatlantic enslavement of Africans following a major announcement by French President Emmanuel Macron.

In a statement issued on Friday, May 23, 2026, the government described President Macron’s new anti-slavery policies and commitment to reparatory justice as a significant step toward addressing the enduring impact of slavery and colonial injustice.

The announcement was made during an event marking the 25th anniversary of France’s law recognising slavery as a crime against humanity.

President John Dramani Mahama commended President Macron for what he described as “honest, open, conciliatory and exemplary leadership” on the issue.

According to the statement, Ghana looks forward to collaborating with France on a proposed Ghana-France Scientific Commission to be established in Ghana as part of efforts to deepen engagement on reparatory justice and historical accountability.

President Mahama also expressed appreciation to President Macron for accepting an invitation to address the “Next Steps” High-Level Conference on Reparatory Justice scheduled to take place in Accra from June 17 to 19, 2026.

The government said the recent developments follow the landmark adoption of a Ghana-led United Nations resolution on March 25, 2026, which declared the transatlantic enslavement of Africans the gravest crime against humanity and called on member states to engage constructively on reparatory justice.

The resolution, adopted by 123 votes in favour, was spearheaded by President Mahama in his role as the African Union Champion on Reparatory Justice.

Ghana noted that it stands ready to engage France and other international partners on issues including official apologies, guarantees of non-repetition, compensation, healing initiatives, repeal of slavery laws, and the return of looted artefacts.

The government also welcomed France’s intention to repeal the colonial-era slavery statutes known as the Code Noir, describing President Macron’s acknowledgment of the laws’ incompatibility with modern democratic values as an important step toward honest historical engagement.

According to the statement, Ghana believes genuine reckoning with history is essential to advancing meaningful dialogue, partnership, and redress.

The upcoming Accra summit is expected to bring together Heads of State, ministers, scholars, and civil society leaders from Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas, and Europe to advance global conversations on reparatory justice.

The Government of Ghana further confirmed that an expanded French delegation will participate in the summit at a high level.

Ghana also used the occasion to reaffirm its readiness to engage with governments, institutions, and international partners willing to pursue reparatory justice in good faith through sustained dialogue and cooperation.