Accra, Ghana — A landmark conference on reparatory justice for the victims of the transatlantic slave trade convened in Accra this week, marking a significant step in the pursuit of reparations by Ghana and the African Union.
The High — Level ‘Next Steps’Conference on Reparatory Justice, which took place from June 17 to 19, was organized under the auspices of President John Dramani Mahama, who serves as the African Union Champion for Reparations.
The conference aimed to build upon the momentum generated by the United Nations General Assembly’s historic resolution A/RES/80/250, adopted on March 25, 2026.
This resolution, the first of its kind, declared the trafficking of enslaved Africans as the gravest crime against humanity.
In response, Ghana has adopted a comprehensive 10-point plan to enforce the UN resolution and address the issue of trafficking of enslaved Africans.
The event brought together heads of state, ministers, civil society representatives, historians, researchers, and legal experts from more than 80 countries.
The gathering was seen as a pivotal moment in the global reparations movement, with participants focused on translating the UN resolution into concrete policies and actions. During the conference, Ghana presented its 10-point plan, which includes measures such as the establishment of a Reparations Trust Fund, the development of educational programs to promote awareness of the slave trade’s legacy, and the creation of a reparations commission to oversee the implementation of reparations programs. Officials commented on the matter.
The conference also featured discussions on reconciliation, restitution, and the long — term impacts of the transatlantic slave trade on African societies. Participants emphasized the importance of addressing the socio-economic and cultural consequences of slavery, as well as the need for international cooperation to achieve lasting justice for the descendants of enslaved Africans. “Reparatory justice will not be handed to us.
Like political independence, it must be asserted, pursued, and secured through determination and unity, “President Mahama said in a statement, echoing the determination of African nations to pursue reparations.
The event has drawn attention to the complexities involved in the reparations debate, including the identification of victims, the quantification of damages, and the allocation of resources. It also highlighted the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to reparations, ensuring that the voices of those affected by the slave trade are heard and their rights are respected.
As the conference concluded, there was a sense of optimism that the gathering had laid the groundwork for future actions and partnerships aimed at addressing the historical injustices of the transatlantic slave trade.
The next steps in the reparations process will be closely watched by both the international community and the descendants of enslaved Africans, who hope that the conference marks the beginning of a new chapter in the quest for justice and healing. Accra’s hosting of the conference places the nation at the forefront of the global reparations movement.
It also underscores the ongoing efforts by African nations to confront their shared history and work towards a future where the legacies of the past are addressed with dignity and accountability.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: france24 – Africa
Source: FRANCE24
