May 24- 2026
The Embassy of Ghana in Paris is proud to report significant advancements in the bilateral relationship between Ghana and France concerning the international pursuit of reparatory justice.
On the evening of Thursday, May 21, 2026, the Embassy, represented by Ghana's Ambassador to France, H.E. Mavis Ama Frimpong, participated in a profound Silver Jubilee Anniversary in Paris. The event commemorated the twenty-fifth anniversary of the French law recognizing slavery as a crime against humanity. The gathering was well-attended by members of the African diaspora and the corps of African ambassadors in France, reflecting a unified continental presence.
Keynote Addresses and Bilateral Commitments
The commemorative event featured powerful keynote addresses from French President Emmanuel Macron, UNESCO Director-General Dr. Khaled El-Enany, and former French Minister of Justice Madame Christiane Taubira.
During his address, President Macron acknowledged that no financial compensation could adequately address the emotional, economic, and psychological suffering endured by the descendants of enslaved persons. However, he affirmed that the French Government stands ready to work collaboratively with Ghana on reparatory justice. Key announcements included:
• The Ghana-France Research Commission: France proposed comprehensive support for Ghana to build a Scientific Research Commission on Slavery, which will be established in Accra.
• Repeal of the Code Noir: France declared its intention to repeal the colonial-era slavery statutes known as the Code Noir. The Government of Ghana applauds this step, recognizing that honest reckoning is the foundation for constructive engagement.
Global Leadership and Recognition
These bilateral developments build upon the momentum of the historic March 25, 2026, United Nations General Assembly resolution. Championed by President John Dramani Mahama, the resolution overwhelmingly recognized the transatlantic enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity. During the Paris event, UNESCO Director-General Dr. El-Enany formally commended Ghana and President Mahama for this exemplary leadership.
Furthermore, Madame Christiane Taubira delivered an emotional overview of the rigorous processes undertaken by France prior to passing its historic law twenty-five years ago.
The Next Steps Summit in Accra (June 17–19, 2026)
To translate this international recognition into concrete action, Ghana will host the Next Steps High-Level Consultative Conference on Reparations in Accra next month. The Embassy is delighted to confirm that President Macron has accepted the invitation to address the summit, and an expanded French delegation will participate.
The summit will convene global leaders to give structure to the international agenda on healing, the return of historical artefacts, compensation, and guarantees of non-repetition. Ghana invites all partners of comparable conviction to join us in this profound endeavor.