The Government of Ghana has welcomed France’s decision to collaborate on reparatory justice for the transatlantic enslavement of Africans, describing it as a significant breakthrough in global efforts to address historical injustices.
President Emmanuel Macron announced the initiative during commemorations marking the 25th anniversary of France’s law recognising slavery as a crime against humanity, signalling what Ghana describes as a new phase of international accountability.
In a statement issued in Accra, the Government said France’s stance adds momentum to a growing global movement for reparatory justice, coming shortly after the United Nations General Assembly adopted a Ghana-led resolution recognising the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity.
President John Dramani Mahama praised President Macron’s position, describing it as “honest, open, conciliatory and exemplary leadership” on a long-standing issue affecting the African diaspora.
Ghana indicated its readiness to work with France on a comprehensive reparatory justice agenda, including formal acknowledgements, institutional reforms, return of cultural artefacts, healing initiatives, compensation frameworks and the repeal of slavery-era laws.
The Government also welcomed France’s intention to abolish colonial-era legal frameworks such as the “Code Noir,” describing it as an important step toward historical reckoning and alignment with modern democratic values.
According to the statement, Ghana views such developments as laying the foundation for deeper international cooperation based on truth, recognition and restorative action.
The country is currently spearheading global advocacy on reparatory justice, with President Mahama serving as African Union Champion on the issue.
To further advance discussions, Ghana will host a high-level “Next Steps” Conference on Reparatory Justice in Accra in June 2026, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, scholars and civil society groups.
France is expected to participate at a high level, with President Macron accepting an invitation to address the summit, which aims to translate global recognition into practical frameworks for redress and collaboration.
Analysts say France’s engagement with Ghana could mark a turning point in international reparations discourse, potentially increasing pressure on other former colonial powers to confront their historical roles in slavery and colonial exploitation.
