Ghana says it is ready to engage France in discussions on reparatory justice following comments by French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledging the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade.
In a statement, Ghana’s Foreign Ministry described France’s position as “a significant step” towards historical accountability and reconciliation.
President John Dramani Mahama praised Mr Macron’s approach, calling it “honest, open, conciliatory and exemplary leadership”.
The French leader recently marked the 25th anniversary of a French law recognising slavery and the slave trade as crimes against humanity. He also backed calls to repeal the historic “Code Noir”, laws introduced during the colonial era to regulate slavery in French territories.
Ghana said it was prepared to work with France both bilaterally and through international platforms on issues linked to reparatory justice.
According to the ministry, discussions could cover formal apologies, compensation, guarantees of non-repetition, healing initiatives, and the return of African cultural artefacts taken during the colonial period.
The statement also welcomed plans for a proposed Ghana-France Scientific Commission to examine the historical impact of slavery and colonialism.
Mr Macron has reportedly accepted an invitation to attend the “Next Steps High-Level Conference on Reparatory Justice”, scheduled to take place in Accra from 17 to 19 June 2026.
Calls for reparations from former colonial powers have gained momentum across Africa and the Caribbean in recent years, with supporters arguing that the long-term effects of slavery and colonial exploitation continue to affect development and inequality today.
