Ghana’s government has applauded France’s big policy shift toward reparatory justice and anti-slavery policies, following recent remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledging the historical evils of transatlantic slavery.
On Saturday, May 23, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a press release in which the government characterised President Macron’s stance as an important and praiseworthy move toward resolving the lasting legacy of Africans’ transatlantic enslavement.
The statement claims that President John Mahama commended President Macron for his “honest, open, conciliatory and exemplary leadership” on the reparations issue.
The government pointed out that during a celebration commemorating the 25th anniversary of France’s law designating slavery as a crime against humanity, France announced its intention to collaborate with Ghana on reparatory justice concerns.
Ghana also applauded France’s plan to repeal the Code Noir, a set of regulations pertaining to slavery from the colonial era, characterising the action as an admission that such laws are incompatible with contemporary democratic norms and human rights standards.
According to the Ministry, Ghana values President Macron’s awareness of the importance of having an honest conversation about history and feels that doing so is essential to forward substantive discussion and action on reparatory justice.
The statement further stated that as part of larger attempts to strengthen historical research, institutional collaboration, and reconciliation efforts, Ghana and France are anticipated to work together on a proposed Ghana-France Scientific Commission to be established in Ghana.
Additionally, the government thanked President Macron for agreeing to attend the “Next Steps” High-Level Conference on Reparatory Justice, which is set for June 17–19, 2026, in Accra.
Heads of state, ministers, academics, and leaders of civil society from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Americas are anticipated to attend the conference to discuss reparatory justice and the lingering consequences of slavery.
According to the Ministry, the summit aims to advance international dialogue from acknowledgement to practical action, such as academic collaborations, legislative frameworks, and mechanisms for redress based on mutual respect and good faith.
The statement also made reference to the historic resolution passed by 123 members of the United Nations General Assembly on March 25, 2026, which called for constructive international engagement on reparatory justice and acknowledged transatlantic enslavement of Africans as one of the worst crimes against humanity.
According to the government, the resolution, spearheaded by President Mahama in his capacity as the African Union Champion on Reparatory Justice, has started a new phase in global discussions about historical responsibility and justice for African descendants of enslaved people.
The Ministry reiterated Ghana’s willingness to interact both bilaterally and multilaterally with nations and organisations who are eager to pursue substantive discussion and practical reparatory justice initiatives.
It further stated that nations with common history related to slavery and colonialism would need to work together, maintain a commitment, and engage in open communication in order to achieve enduring justice.
Full Statement Below:
Source: newsthemegh.com