Ghana’s government has lauded France’s “historic and courageous” decision to engage in discussions on reparatory justice for the transatlantic enslavement of Africans, following significant policy pronouncements by French President Emmanuel Macron. The announcement, detailed in a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, May 23, 2026, commends President Macron for his “honest, open, conciliatory and exemplary leadership” on a deeply sensitive historical injustice.
Context of France’s Policy Shift
This development stems from President Macron’s recent remarks during events commemorating the 25th anniversary of France’s law recognizing slavery as a crime against humanity. During these observances, he unveiled new anti-slavery measures and expressed France’s willingness to collaborate with Ghana on reparatory justice initiatives.
The Ghanaian government views this as a crucial milestone in the escalating international movement advocating for acknowledgment, redress, and reconciliation concerning centuries of transatlantic slavery and colonial exploitation. It signifies a growing global momentum towards confronting the legacies of this era.
Deepening Ghana-France Cooperation
Ghana anticipates enhancing its collaboration with France through a proposed Ghana-France Scientific Commission. This commission is slated to be established in Ghana and is intended to foster scholarly research, historical documentation, and broader institutional cooperation focused on slavery, reparatory justice, and historical accountability.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, currently serving as the African Union Champion on Reparatory Justice, expressed gratitude to President Macron for accepting an invitation to the upcoming
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