The government of Ghana has welcomed France’s move to advance reparatory justice for the transatlantic slave trade.
French President Emmanuel Macron made the comments during an event marking 25 years since France passed a law recognising slavery as a crime against humanity.
He stated: “Twenty-five years ago, the law of 21 May 2001 recognized and qualified the slave trade and slavery in its truth: a crime against humanity. This law had come a long way and was necessary. Dear Christiane Taubira, thank you for carrying it with courage, strength, and dignity.”
“I call on the government to make its own the proposed bill aimed at repealing the Black Code,” Mr Macron added.
In response, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Saturday, May 23, describing France’s position as “a significant step.”
The ministry said President John Dramani Mahama had praised President Macron for what he called “honest, open, conciliatory and exemplary leadership” on the issue.
The government also welcomed Macron’s acceptance of an invitation to speak at the Next Steps High-Level Conference on Reparatory Justice, scheduled for June 17–19, 2026 in Accra.
Ghana said it remains ready to work with any country or institution willing to engage in good faith discussions on reparatory justice. Officials added that the country will continue to pursue both bilateral and multilateral cooperation on the issue.
The statement also highlighted plans for collaboration between Ghana and France on a proposed Ghana-France Scientific Commission to be established in Ghana.
Government further noted positive progress following the adoption of a Ghana-led UN resolution that recognised the transatlantic enslavement of Africans as the most severe crime against humanity.
It said Ghana and its partners are prepared to engage France on a wide range of reparatory justice issues. These include official apologies, guarantees of non-repetition, return of cultural artefacts, healing initiatives, compensation discussions, repeal of slavery-related laws, and addressing long-term impacts of slavery.
The ministry also praised France’s intention to repeal colonial-era slavery laws known as the “Code Noir,” describing it as an encouraging development.
