Ghana is hosting a pivotal three-day conference, dubbed 'Next Steps', which brings together heads of state, government ministers, civil society representatives, and experts from over 80 countries to tackle the pressing issue of reparatory justice. The event follows a landmark United Nations (UN) resolution earlier this year, which formally recognised the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity.
The conference marks a significant moment in the long-standing campaign for redress and represents a fundamental shift from previous commemorative gestures towards a pursuit of historical truth, dialogue, and ultimately, reconciliation and justice. The UN resolution, adopted by 123 nations, including Ghana on behalf of African Union member states, but opposed by the US, Israel, and Argentina, has sparked a global discourse on reparatory justice.
The conference, which commenced on Wednesday, will see key speakers including Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados and the presidents of Ghana, Liberia, Namibia, and Senegal. French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to deliver a video address, marking a significant moment in his government's efforts to address its historical role in the transatlantic slave trade.
The conference will focus on five core objectives: formulating a global framework for reparatory justice, establishing international panels dedicated to restitution, and promoting inclusive dialogue among nations. The event is also set to commemorate Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in the United States, at Osu Castle – a 17th-century Danish fortress that served as a significant hub for the transatlantic slave trade.
Organisers emphasise the need to transform current political momentum into concrete institutional commitments. The UN resolution specifically calls for member states to engage in inclusive dialogue on reparatory justice and facilitate the prompt restitution of cultural properties to their countries of origin. Recent developments, including President Macron's use of the term 'reparations', indicate a growing global discourse and momentum towards addressing the legacies of slavery.