President Mahama to host global leaders for high-level reparations conference

Ghana is set to host a major international conference on reparatory justice from June 17 to 19, 2026, following the recent adoption of a United Nations resolution that declared the trans-Atlantic enslavement of Africans the gravest crime against humanity.

In a press release issued on Monday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra, it stated that the High-Level Next Steps Conference will take place under the auspices of President John Dramani Mahama, who also serves as the African Union Champion for Reparations.

“The historic resolution, which received broad international support and overwhelming endorsement by 123 UN Member States, represents a significant milestone in advancing global acknowledgement of historical injustices and the need for structured engagement on reparatory justice,” it added.

According to the release, the High-Level Next Steps Conference is intended to sustain the momentum generated at the multilateral level by providing a dedicated platform for participating States, world leaders, experts, historians, jurists and activists to deliberate on the next phase of the reparations agenda.

It said discussions will focus on translating the historic Resolution A/RES/80/250 into a common, actionable global framework.

The Ministry said the Outcome Document will highlight a collective effort to develop coordinated policy approaches, institutional frameworks and mechanisms for sustained international engagement. As part of activities earmarked for the Conference, a special first-ever Juneteenth commemoration shall be held at the Christiansborg Castle, Osu, a place of profound historical relevance to the Trans-Atlantic Enslavement.

“This inaugural joint commemoration with our fellow Africans in the USA will be a memorable climax of the Conference,” it added.

The release stated that this aspect of the Conference is expected to provide participants with an opportunity to reflect on the historical context underpinning the reparations discourse, while reinforcing the broader objectives of remembrance, recognition, healing and a quest for justice.

The Conference is further expected to foster deeper collaboration among participating States, strengthen Africa's collective voice on reparatory justice and contribute to shaping a coherent and unified position within the global system.

It will also provide an avenue for engagement with the African diaspora and international partners, whose contributions remain critical to advancing the reparations agenda.

“Outcomes of the Conference are expected to include a set of recommendations and forward-looking actions to guide subsequent engagements at the continental and international levels, as well as to build concretely on the unprecedented momentum generated by the UN Resolution,” it noted.

The statement indicated that further details regarding registration, participation, accreditation and the programme of activities are available at: https://reparations.mfa.gov.gh, whereas media inquiries could also be forwarded to ipab@mfa.gov.gh.

This Conference will bring together Heads of State and Government, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, academics, researchers, members of the global coalition, as well as representatives of regional and international organisations and experts on reparatory justice,” it noted.

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