Ghana to host global conference on reparations following UN resolution on slavery

Ghana will convene an international conference on restorative justice in June, following the United Nations’ adoption of a resolution recognizing the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity.

The Ministry of Ghana Affairs, in a statement, announced that the conference will be a three-day meeting, taking place from 17 to 19 June 2026 in Accra.

The event will be hosted by Ghana’s President, John Mahama, who also serves as an advocate for the African Union for Reparations, the statement said.

According to the statement, the conference will bring together heads of state, diplomats, scholars, activists and representatives of international organizations to chart the next phase of the global reparations agenda.

“Discussions will focus on translating the historic resolution A/RES/80/250 into a common and implementable global framework.

“The outcome document is also expected to highlight a collective effort to develop coordinated policy approaches, institutional frameworks and mechanisms for sustained international engagement,” the statement reads.

Ghana presented the resolution to the assembly and urged this designation and the creation of a reparations fund.

The West African country also called on members of the United Nations to apologize for the slave trade.

One hundred and twenty-three member states voted in favor of the resolution, and only three countries voted against: Argentina, Israel and the United States.

A total of 52 countries, mostly European, abstained from voting. This includes the UK, Portugal and Spain.

During the assembly, Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Ablakwa told member states that the reparations funds will be used to repair the damage caused by slavery.

“We ask for compensation and, let’s be clear, African leaders are not asking for money for themselves. We want justice for victims and causes supported, funds for education and endowment, funds for vocational training,” he said.

The meeting in Accra is expected to strengthen Africa’s collective position on restorative justice and deepen collaboration with the African diaspora and international partners.

According to the statement, the conference will be a special Juneteenth event at Christiansborg Castle, a historic site linked to the transatlantic slave trade.

“The Conference is also expected to foster deeper collaboration among participating States, strengthen Africa’s collective voice on restorative justice, and help define a coherent and unified position within global systems. It will also provide an avenue for engagement with the African diaspora and international partners, whose contributions remain critical to advancing the reparations agenda.

The outcomes of the conference are expected to include a series of forward-looking recommendations and actions to guide subsequent engagements at continental and international levels, as well as to concretely build on the unprecedented momentum generated by the UN resolution.