The Government of Ghana has welcomed new anti-slavery measures announced by French President Emmanuel Macron and France’s decision to work with Ghana on reparatory justice following the adoption of a historic Ghana-led United Nations resolution on transatlantic slavery.
In a statement issued in Accra on Friday, the government said President John Mahama commended Macron for what it described as “honest, open, conciliatory and exemplary leadership” on the issue of slavery and reparations.
According to the statement, France announced its willingness to collaborate with Ghana on reparatory justice during an event marking the 25th anniversary of France’s law recognising slavery as a crime against humanity.
The Ghanaian government also welcomed plans to establish a proposed Ghana-France Scientific Commission in Ghana as part of broader cooperation on historical accountability and reparatory initiatives.
President Mahama further expressed appreciation to President Macron for accepting an invitation to address the upcoming “Next Steps” High-Level Conference on Reparatory Justice scheduled to take place in Accra from June 17 to 19, 2026.
Government said the developments follow the March 25, 2026 adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of a landmark Ghana-led resolution recognising the transatlantic enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity and encouraging member states to engage constructively on reparatory justice.
The statement noted that Ghana and its international partners remain ready to engage France on issues including formal apologies, guarantees of non-repetition, the return of artefacts, healing initiatives, compensation, repeal of slavery laws, and addressing the enduring consequences of slavery.
Government also praised France’s intention to repeal the colonial-era slavery statutes known as the “Code Noir,” saying the move aligns with modern democratic values and reflects a willingness to confront difficult aspects of history.
It added that the upcoming Accra summit would bring together heads of state, ministers, scholars and civil society representatives from Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas and Europe to advance international dialogue on reparatory justice.
The government confirmed that an expanded French delegation would participate in the summit and reiterated Ghana’s readiness to work with governments andh institutions committed to pursuing justice for descendants of enslaved Africans.
Story By: Eric Boateng
