Government has welcomed a major policy shift by Emmanuel Macron and the French government on reparatory justice for the transatlantic enslavement of Africans, describing the move as a historic step toward accountability, healing and international cooperation.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, May 23, the government praised France’s decision to work closely with Ghana on issues relating to reparatory justice following recent announcements by the French President during an event marking the 25th anniversary of France’s law recognising slavery as a crime against humanity.
The statement said President John Dramani Mahama commended President Macron for what he described as “honest, open, conciliatory and exemplary leadership” on a matter of global historical importance.
According to the government, Ghana is looking forward to collaborating with France on the establishment of a proposed Ghana-France Scientific Commission, which is expected to be based in Ghana and contribute to deeper scholarly engagement on the historical impact of slavery and colonialism.
The government also expressed appreciation to President Macron for accepting an invitation from President Mahama to participate in the upcoming “Next Steps” High-Level Conference on Reparatory Justice scheduled to take place in Accra from June 17 to 19, 2026.
The conference is expected to bring together Heads of State, ministers, scholars and civil society groups from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe and the Americas to discuss concrete pathways toward reparatory justice and sustained international cooperation.
Government said the latest developments follow the landmark adoption of a Ghana-led United Nations resolution on March 25, 2026, which declared the transatlantic enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity.
The resolution, adopted by the UN General Assembly with support from 123 member states, also called on countries to engage constructively on issues relating to reparatory justice for descendants of enslaved Africans.
The government noted that the resolution, championed by President Mahama in his role as the African Union Champion on Reparatory Justice, has opened a new chapter in global discussions surrounding slavery, colonialism and historical accountability.
As part of its response, government welcomed France’s intention to repeal the colonial-era slavery laws known as the “Code Noir,” which historically regulated the treatment of enslaved Africans in French colonies.
According to the statement,government acknowledged President Macron’s admission that such statutes are inconsistent with the values modern nations claim to uphold.
“Honest reckoning is the necessary foundation for everything that follows. We welcome France’s willingness to begin that work,” the statement noted.
The government added that Ghana and its international partners remain prepared to engage France on a broad range of reparatory justice issues, including formal apologies, guarantees of non-repetition, return of stolen artefacts, healing initiatives, compensation and addressing the long-term effects of slavery.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further stated that Ghana remains committed to engaging with governments, institutions and international partners willing to participate in meaningful dialogue and action on reparatory justice in good faith.
It described the March 25 UN resolution as a potentially transformative moment in the global pursuit of justice for descendants of enslaved Africans, stressing that achieving meaningful outcomes would require sustained commitment, honest dialogue and international partnership.
Government also confirmed that an expanded French delegation will participate in the Accra summit next month, expressing optimism that the conference would help advance discussions from recognition to concrete action on reparations and historical redress.
By 1960news.com
