President John Dramani Mahama has announced the establishment of three global panels to steer the next phase of reparatory justice efforts, saying the initiative is aimed at turning global recognition of slavery’s historical injustices into concrete policy action.
Speaking at the opening of the Next Steps Conference on Reparatory Justice in Accra on Thursday, 18 June 2026, the President said the panels will provide strategic, technical and legal support to strengthen international cooperation on reparations and related historical justice initiatives.
He explained that the move is intended to deepen global engagement beyond acknowledgment of historical wrongs towards structured implementation of reparatory measures.
Three specialised panels unveiled
President Mahama outlined three distinct panels to guide the process, beginning with a global advisory panel on reparatory justice.
According to him, the panel will comprise heads of state and government, eminent leaders and public figures who will provide strategic direction to advance international dialogue and cooperation on reparatory justice.
The second panel, he said, will focus on the restitution of cultural artefacts, archives and sacred objects taken during the colonial and slavery eras, supporting global efforts to return such items to their communities and countries of origin.
The third is a global legal panel on reparatory justice, which will bring together distinguished jurists and legal scholars to develop approaches grounded in international law, human dignity and justice.
Strengthening global cooperation
President Mahama stressed that the new panels are not designed to replace existing institutions, but rather to complement and reinforce their work as the international community transitions from recognition of historical injustice to practical implementation of reparatory frameworks.
He said the initiative is intended to provide intellectual, technical and policy support to governments, regional bodies and international organisations engaged in reparatory justice discussions.
“These panels are not intended to replace the work of governments, regional organizations or international institutions,” he said. “Rather, they are intended to strengthen that work by providing intellectual, technical and policy support.”
Ghana hosts global dialogue on reparatory justice
The announcement was made during the opening of the Next Steps Conference on Reparatory Justice, which is bringing together world leaders, policymakers, legal experts and diaspora representatives in Accra.
The conference is expected to chart pathways for addressing the enduring legacy of the transatlantic slave trade and advancing global discussions on reparatory justice.
