Ghana, France Deepen Collaboration on Reparatory Justice Initiatives
By Maame Efua Kwaduah
The Government of Ghana has welcomed new anti-slavery measures announced by French President Emmanuel Macron, including France’s commitment to collaborate with Ghana on reparatory justice initiatives linked to the transatlantic enslavement of Africans.
The development follows recent remarks by President Macron during an event commemorating the 25th anniversary of France’s law recognising slavery as a crime against humanity, where he outlined plans for stronger engagement on historical accountability, reconciliation and justice.
In a statement issued by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government described the announcement as a major step forward in the growing international movement toward reparatory justice.
The ministry said the latest engagement also builds on momentum created by the landmark Ghana-led United Nations resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade the gravest crime against humanity.
President John Dramani Mahama commended President Macron for what he described as “honest, open, conciliatory and exemplary leadership” regarding discussions on slavery, reparations and historical responsibility. According to the statement, Ghana welcomed France’s readiness to participate in ongoing conversations aimed at addressing the enduring effects of the transatlantic slave trade on Africans and people of African descent.
Government further announced plans to work with France on the establishment of a Ghana–France Scientific Commission to be based in Ghana. The proposed commission is expected to advance research, dialogue and policy discussions on reparatory justice and historical accountability.
The statement also expressed appreciation to France 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 19, 2026. The conference is expected to bring together Heads of State, ministers, academics, civil society organisations and international stakeholders from Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas to discuss pathways toward justice and redress.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana sees the current engagement with France and other international partners as part of a broader global effort to transform historical recognition into concrete action through structured dialogue, institutional cooperation and long-term redress mechanisms.
“The Government of Ghana is pleased with the positive momentum and concrete outcomes following the landmark adoption of the Ghana-led UN Resolution declaring the transatlantic enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity,” portions of the statement noted.
The ministry indicated that discussions with international partners would address a wide range of reparatory justice concerns, including formal apologies, guarantees of non-repetition, compensation, return of cultural artefacts, healing and memorial initiatives, as well as legal reforms connected to slavery-era policies and statutes.
Government also welcomed France’s intention to review and repeal colonial-era slavery laws, including the controversial “Code Noir,” describing the move as an important step toward historical reckoning and reconciliation. Ghana noted that President Macron had acknowledged that such laws are incompatible with modern democratic values and principles of human dignity.
The Ministry stressed that Ghana remains committed to advancing the global reparatory justice agenda and reiterated its willingness to engage with countries and institutions prepared to participate in the process in good faith. It added that the current momentum could mark a significant turning point in the international pursuit of justice for descendants of enslaved Africans.
