Foreign Affairs Minister outlines agenda for reparatory justice conference

Ghana is set to host a high-level international conference on reparatory justice from June 17 to 19 in Accra, with participants expected to establish three global bodies to advance the campaign for reparations and the restitution of cultural artefacts.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed this on Monday at a press conference in Accra.

He said the conference would seek to create a Global Advisory Panel for Reparatory Justice, an Expert Panel on the Restitution of Cultural Artefacts, and a Legal Panel for Reparatory Justice.

He stated that the proposed bodies would provide sustained intellectual, legal, policy and strategic leadership for the global reparations movement.

Mr Ablakwa added that discussions would also focus on creating a permanent transcontinental consultative forum to strengthen cooperation among stakeholders across Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and North America and ensure continued engagement on reparatory justice.

He stated that the conference forms part of efforts to advance the implementation of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/80/250, adopted in March 2026, declaring the trafficking and enslavement of Africans as crimes against humanity.

According to the minister, the resolution, championed by President Mahama in his capacity as the African Union Champion on Reparations, received support from 123 UN member states and reflected growing international recognition of the enduring effects of slavery and colonial exploitation.

He said the conference would focus on translating that recognition into practical action and coordinated international engagement.

“The conference is expected to provide a platform for participants to examine the implications of the UN resolution and develop a comprehensive framework to guide future international efforts on reparatory justice. It will begin with a meeting of senior officials and technical experts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on June 17, followed by a high-level session involving heads of state, government officials and international dignitaries at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City on June 18,” he added.

Mr Ablakwa announced that the conference would coincide with Juneteenth celebrations on June 19. He described the gathering at Osu Castle as the first Juneteenth commemoration to be held outside the United States.

He said several international figures, including Marcus Garvey Jr., civil rights activist Al Sharpton, members of the Congressional Black Caucus and other representatives of the African diaspora, had confirmed their participation.

Among the leaders expected to deliver keynote addresses are President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of Liberia, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, President Adama Barrow of The Gambia and President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau.

Mr Ablakwa said more than 80 countries, six international organisations, dozens of ministers and hundreds of experts had confirmed attendance.

He noted that a conference outcome document will be adopted on June 19 and submitted as a contribution to a report by the United Nations Secretary-General on the implementation of the resolution, which is expected to be presented at the 82nd Session of the UN General Assembly.

“Delegates will later visit Osu Castle, formerly known as Christiansborg Castle, where a commemorative programme will be held to honour Africans who were taken through the transatlantic slave trade. The event will include a traditional durbar involving political leaders, traditional authorities and members of the diaspora, focusing on remembrance, reconciliation and renewed commitment to the reparations cause,” he said.