Ghana is poised to host a prominent international conference on reparatory justice in June 2026, following the landmark adoption of a United Nations resolution that identified the trans-Atlantic enslavement of Africans as the most severe crime against humanity.
The conference, set to take place from June 17 to 19 in Accra, will be conducted under the leadership of the President of Ghana and African Union Champion for Reparations, John Dramani Mahama.
This event is being organized as a follow-up to the UN General Assembly resolution, which garnered support from 123 member states.
As stated by the organizers, the resolution signifies “a crucial milestone in promoting global recognition of historical injustices and the necessity for structured dialogue on reparatory justice.”
The forthcoming gathering, referred to as a “High-Level Next Steps Conference on Reparatory Justice,” will convene heads of state and government, foreign ministers, scholars, legal professionals, historians, activists, and representatives from international organizations.
It is anticipated that the focus will be on converting the UN resolution into a functional global framework for reparations, encompassing policy coordination, institutional mechanisms, and ongoing international engagement.
The statement indicated that the resulting document will delineate “a collective initiative aimed at formulating coordinated policy strategies, institutional frameworks, and mechanisms for sustained international collaboration.”
As part of the agenda, the organizers have announced a special observance of Juneteenth (Friday, June 19, 2026) at the Christiansborg Castle in Osu, a location associated with the trans-Atlantic slave trade. This event is expected to attract participation from African and diaspora communities, particularly those from the United States.
The conference will also aim to reinforce Africa’s unified stance on reparatory justice while enhancing cooperation with the African diaspora and international allies.
Additional information regarding registration, accreditation, and participation can be found on the conference portal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
