France’s decision to work towards reparatory justice for the transatlantic slave trade has been welcomed by the government of Ghana.
French President Emmanuel Macron, during an event marking the 25th anniversary of France’s law declaring slavery a crime against humanity this week, stated: “Twenty-five years ago, the law of 21 May 2001 recognized and qualified the slave trade and slavery in its truth: a crime against humanity. This law had come a long way and was necessary. Dear Christiane Taubira, thank you for carrying it with courage, strength, and dignity.
Il y a 25 ans, la loi du 21 mai 2001 a reconnu et qualifié la traite négrière et l’esclavage dans sa vérité : un crime contre l’humanité. Cette loi venait de loin et était nécessaire.
Chère Christiane Taubira, merci de l’avoir portée avec courage, force et dignité. pic.twitter.com/4q07RbVNkB
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 21, 2026
“I call on the government to make its own the proposed bill aimed at repealing the Black Code,” Mr Macron added.
Je demande au gouvernement de faire sienne la proposition de loi visant à abroger le code noir. pic.twitter.com/qIksFz3HaM
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 21, 2026
In a statement issued Saturday afternoon [May 23, 2023] in reaction to the French President’s statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ghana described the move “as a significant step”.
The statement indicated that President John Mahama is commending President Macron for “honest, open, conciliatory and exemplary leadership” on the matter.
It also lauded President Macron for accepting an invitation to address the Next Steps High-Level Conference on Reparatory Justice scheduled for June 17-19, 2026 in Accra.
It added that Ghana remains ready to engage bilaterally and multilaterally with any government and institution prepared to undertake the work in good faith.
It said Ghana was looking forward to collaborating with France on the proposed Ghana-France Scientific Commission, which will be established in the country.
It said government was also pleased with the positive momentum and concrete outcomes following the landmark adoption of the Ghana-led UN Resolution declaring the transatlantic enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity.
It stressed that, government and its international partners, stand ready to engage France on a range of reparatory justice issues including apologies, guarantees of non-repetition, return of artefacts, healing, compensation, repeal of slavery laws, and addressing the enduring consequences of slavery.
The Ministry applauded France’s intention to repeal colonial-era slavery statutes known as the “Code Noir”.
