Ghana to Host International Reparations Summit in Accra on June 17

Ghana will host a high-level international conference in Accra in June 2026 to advance global dialogue on historical justice, remembrance, and the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, the government has announced.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by Government Communications Spokesperson and Minister, Felix Kwakye Ofosu. The statement followed a recent apology by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV for the Holy See’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.

In his encyclical, the Pope called slavery “a wound in Christian memory” and apologized on behalf of the Church for its involvement in the slave trade and related systems of oppression.

The government described the Pope’s statement as “an act of moral courage and an important contribution to the ongoing global pursuit of historical truth, human dignity and justice.”

It said Ghana remains committed to partnering with faith communities, civil society, international partners, and people of conscience to push for historical justice, remembrance, and the restoration of human dignity.

“Ghana remains committed to working with international partners, faith communities, civil society, and people of conscience around the world to advance efforts aimed at historical justice, remembrance, and the restoration of human dignity,” the statement said.

“In this regard, Ghana looks forward to welcoming the international community to Accra from 17th to 19th June 2026 for the High-Level Consultative Conference being convened by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, on the next steps following the adoption of the Resolution, aimed at sustaining global engagement on historical justice, remembrance, and human dignity.”

According to the government, the conference will focus on next steps after the adoption of the Resolution and sustaining global engagement on historical justice, remembrance, and human dignity.

The statement noted that the Pope’s apology comes at a crucial time of global reflection on slavery and colonialism, adding that addressing past injustices requires truth-telling and moral responsibility. “Honest recognition of this painful history remains an essential step toward healing, reconciliation, and a more just future,” it said.

President John Dramani Mahama, cited in the statement, called the development significant for ongoing international discussions on historical accountability.

At the last United Nations General Assembly, President Mahama tabled a motion to declare the transatlantic slave trade and the enslavement of Africans as “the gravest crime against humanity,” describing it as a landmark step for preserving historical memory and promoting justice.

Ghana expressed hope that countries that did not back the resolution will eventually support its goals and join in its implementation.

President Mahama thanked Pope Leo XIV for the apology and said he looks forward to continued global engagement on truth, healing, and reconciliation.