The Government of Ghana has welcomed the President of France, Emmanuel Macron’s announcement that France will work with Ghana on reparatory justice for the transatlantic enslavement of Africans.

The pledge follows Macron’s remarks at a commemoration of the 25th anniversary of France’s law recognising slavery as a crime against humanity.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 23, 2026, President John Mahama praised Macron’s “honest, open, conciliatory and exemplary leadership” and welcomed France’s intention to cooperate on a proposed Ghana‑France Scientific Commission to be based in Ghana.

The ministry confirmed Macron has accepted an invitation to address the Next Steps High‑Level Conference on Reparatory Justice in Accra from June 17-19, 2026.

"The government of the republic of Ghana warmly welcomes France’s decision to work with Ghana on reparatory justice for the transatlantic enslavement of Africans as announced this week by the president of the French republic.

"President John Mahama Commends president Emmanuel Macron for the honest, open, conciliatory and exemplary leadership on this consequential matter, we look forward on working with France on the proposed Ghana-France Scientific Commission to be established in Ghana," it stated.

The statement said Macron’s announcement builds on the momentum generated by the United Nations General Assembly resolution of March 25, 2026, led by President Mahama, which recognised the transatlantic enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity and urged member states to engage on reparatory justice.

It added that the resolution opened a new chapter in international discussions and that the Accra summit aims to translate recognition into shared understanding, partnership and concrete action.

The government welcomed France’s intention to repeal colonial‑era slavery statutes known as the "Code Noir" and endorsed Macron’s call for honest engagement with history.

It also outlined the broad scope of reparatory justice issues Ghana is prepared to address with partners, including apologies, guarantees of non‑repetition, return of artefacts, healing, compensation, repeal of discriminatory laws and tackling the enduring consequences of slavery.

The statement confirmed an expanded French delegation will attend the Accra summit at a high level and invited other states, institutions and partners committed to reparatory justice to engage bilaterally and multilaterally in good faith.

"Beyond France the government of Ghana takes this opportunity to reaffirmed to the wider international community that Ghana stands ready to engage bilaterally and multilaterally with every government, institutions and partner prepared to undertake this profound work in good faith," it said