The Government of Ghana has welcomed a major policy shift by France on reparatory justice and anti-slavery reforms following recent announcements by French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledging the historical injustices of transatlantic slavery.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, May 23, 2026, the Government described President Macron’s position as a significant and commendable step toward addressing the enduring legacy of the transatlantic enslavement of Africans.
According to the statement, President John Mahama praised President Macron for what he described as “honest, open, conciliatory and exemplary leadership” on the issue of reparatory justice.
The Government noted that France’s decision to work with Ghana on reparatory justice issues was announced during an event marking the 25th anniversary of France’s law declaring slavery a crime against humanity.
Ghana also welcomed France’s intention to repeal the colonial-era slavery statutes known as the Code Noir, describing the move as an acknowledgment that such laws are incompatible with modern democratic values and human rights principles.
The Ministry stated that Ghana appreciates President Macron’s recognition of the need for honest engagement with history and believes such acknowledgment is necessary to advance meaningful dialogue and action on reparatory justice.
The statement further revealed that Ghana and France are expected to collaborate on a proposed Ghana-France Scientific Commission to be established in Ghana as part of broader efforts to deepen historical research, institutional cooperation and reconciliation initiatives.
Government also expressed gratitude to President Macron for accepting an invitation to participate in the “Next Steps” High-Level Conference on Reparatory Justice scheduled to take place in Accra from June 17 to June 19, 2026.
The conference is expected to bring together Heads of State, ministers, scholars and civil society representatives from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe and the Americas to deliberate on reparatory justice and the long-term effects of slavery.
The Ministry indicated that the summit seeks to move global discussions beyond recognition toward concrete action, including scholarly partnerships, policy frameworks and mechanisms for redress grounded in good faith and mutual respect.
The statement also referenced the landmark United Nations General Assembly resolution adopted on March 25, 2026, by 123 member states, which recognised the transatlantic enslavement of Africans as one of the gravest crimes against humanity and called for constructive international engagement on reparatory justice.
Government said the resolution, led by President Mahama in his role as African Union Champion on Reparatory Justice, has opened a new chapter in international conversations on historical accountability and justice for descendants of enslaved Africans.
The Ministry reaffirmed Ghana’s readiness to engage bilaterally and multilaterally with countries and institutions willing to pursue meaningful dialogue and concrete actions on reparatory justice.
It added that achieving lasting justice would require sustained commitment, honest dialogue and cooperation among nations with shared histories connected to slavery and colonialism.
The post Ghana Welcomes France’s Reparatory Justice Commitment Following Historic UN Resolution appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.
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