Ghana to Host Global Conference on Reparatory Justice in June Following Historic UN Resolution
Ghana will host a High-Level Next Steps Conference on Reparatory Justice from June 17 to 19, 2026, as a follow-up to the United Nations General Assembly’s landmark resolution declaring the trans-Atlantic enslavement of Africans as the “Gravest Crime against Humanity.”
The three-day conference will be held under the auspices of President John Dramani Mahama, who also serves as the African Union Champion for Reparations.
The move comes after UN Resolution A/RES/80/250 received broad international support, with 123 Member States endorsing the declaration that the trafficking and racialised chattel enslavement of Africans constitutes the gravest crime against humanity.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Accra conference aims to “sustain the momentum generated at the multilateral level” by bringing together Heads of State and Government, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, jurists, historians, researchers, and activists.
“Discussions will focus on translating the historic Resolution into a common actionable global framework,” the statement said.
The Outcome Document is expected to outline coordinated policy approaches, institutional frameworks, and mechanisms for sustained international engagement on reparations.
Participants will include members of the global coalition, regional and international organizations, academics, and representatives of the African diaspora.
As part of the conference, a special Juneteenth commemoration will be held at Christiansborg Castle in Osu, described as “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,” organizers said. The event aims to provide space for reflection on the historical context of the reparations discourse, with focus on remembrance, recognition, healing, and justice.
The conference is expected to strengthen Africa’s collective voice on reparatory justice and help shape a unified position within the global system.
“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,” the Ministry said.
Registration, accreditation, and programme details are available at https://reparations.mfa.gov.gh. Media inquiries can be directed to ipab@mfa.gov.gh.
“President Mahama and the hospitable people of Ghana look forward to welcoming all participants to Accra for this defining Conference,” the statement said. “With a united front and the blessings of our ancestors, Reparatory Justice shall be achieved.”
