Africa13 April, 20261 min read
France Opens Talks on Slavery Reparations After Meeting with Ghanaian President
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France open to discussions on slavery reparations, Ghana says after Macron-Mahama talks. Paris meeting involved Mahama, Ablakwa, and Macron in discussions last week.
France Opens Dialogue
Ghana announced that France is open to discussions on slavery reparations following a meeting between President Mahama and President Macron. Ablakwa said Macron indicated openness to discussions on reparations, including the return of looted artefacts and dismantling structural racism. An Élysée official confirmed talks on returning culturally significant objects but did not mention broader measures.
The announcement came less than two weeks after France abstained from a UN vote on a Ghana-led resolution. The French representative said the abstention was due to concerns about establishing a hierarchy among crimes against humanity. President Mahama is the African Union's designated champion on reparations for the 2026–2035 period.
Diverging Narratives
The Ghanaian announcement contrasts with the official position publicly stated by Paris less than three weeks earlier. The Élysée Palace confirmed discussions on the return of culturally significant objects but did not mention reparations. The Guardian noted that France abstained from the UN vote due to concerns about establishing a hierarchy among crimes against humanity.
Despite the abstention, Ghanaian officials said Macron was willing to have an open and honest dialogue. The Dhaka Tribune reported that the meeting followed the UN adoption of a Ghana-led resolution.
Historical Context and Challenges
France formally recognized transatlantic slavery as a crime against humanity in 2001 but has not issued a formal apology or agreed to reparations. At least 12.5 million Africans were forcibly transported, with France trafficking an estimated 1.3 million people. Macron had previously said he would set up a commission to examine France's past with Haiti.
Longstanding calls for reparations have gained momentum worldwide but also faced backlash. The Guardian quoted Clean Clothes Campaign spokesperson saying audit systems are fundamentally broken.