The High-Level Consultative Conference on the Next Steps to the Landmark United Nations Resolution on the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans commenced on 18th June, 2026 at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, Accra. The Consultative Conference brought together Heads of State and Government, Ministers, International Organizations, Scholars, Legal Experts, Civil Society Organisations, among others from across the world to chart a practical roadmap for advancing reparatory justice following the adoption of United Nations Resolution A/RES/80/250, which declared the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialized chattel enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity.
Delivering the keynote address, the President of the Republic of Ghana and African Union Champion on Advancing the Cause of Justice and the Payment of Reparations, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama described the adoption of the landmark resolution as a defining moment in the international community’s acknowledgement of the scale, brutality and lasting impact of the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialized chattel enslavement. He expressed appreciation to the 123 Member States of the United Nations that voted in favour of the resolution and all stakeholders whose sustained efforts led to its adoption. He emphasized that Ghana’s leadership on the subject is a moral responsibility shaped by the nation’s history and identity. He indicated that the objective is not re-open old wounds but to heal those wounds. He stressed that the pursuit of reparatory justice must be guided by truth, understanding, reconciliation and constructive engagement.
Reflecting on Ghana’s unique place in the history of the transatlantic enslavement, he noted that sites such as Cape Coast, Elmina and Osu Castles, Assin Manso and others are reminders of one of humanity’s darkest chapters. He observed that while millions of Africans were forcibly removed through the “Doors of No Return,” their descendants have returned as leaders, scholars, jurists, activists and citizens of the world, reaffirming the enduring bonds between Africa and its diaspora. He highlighted the gender dimension of slavery and urged that reparatory justice frameworks must adequately recognize the suffering, resilience and contributions of women during the dark chapter.
Noting the need for greater collaboration among all stakeholders, President Mahama announced the establishment of three global panels: Global Advisory Panel on Reparative Justice comprising Heads of State, eminent leaders and public figures; Expert Panel on the Restitution of Cultural Artefacts to facilitate the return of cultural property and historical treasures to their rightful communities; and Global Legal Panel on Reparative Justice to explore legal pathways and strengthen international legal understanding on reparations. The panels would support efforts to advance truth-telling, research, education, memorialization, cultural restitution and practical cooperation between Africa and its diaspora as well as the wider international community. He stated that future generations would judge the present generation not by the resolutions adopted but by the progress achieved.
He welcomed all participants and wished them fruitful deliberations leading to successful outcomes
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