According to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed willingness for an “open and honest dialogue” on reparatory justice linked to the transatlantic slave trade during bilateral talks with John Dramani Mahama in Paris.

The discussions took place at the Élysée Palace as part of President Mahama’s official visit to France, undertaken at the invitation of the French leader.

On Facebook, Mr Ablakwa noted President Macron indicated that France, despite abstaining in the March 25 United Nations vote recognising the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity, is prepared to engage on the issue.

Macron also stated that France is ready to work with the global reparatory justice coalition on efforts including addressing structural racism, returning looted artefacts, supporting historical research, and pursuing accountability.

He further noted that France is not opposed in principle to the Ghana-led UN resolution, highlighting that France was the first European country to pass a law recognising slavery as a crime against humanity.

Ghana, in response, commended France’s position, describing it as constructive and forward-looking, and expressed hope that other countries that abstained or voted against the resolution would reconsider their stance.

The reparations discussion formed part of broader bilateral engagements, which also covered cooperation in sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, aviation, public health, science, technology, artificial intelligence, education and counterterrorism.

Prior to the talks, President Mahama inspected a guard of honour and held a meeting with the President of the French Senate, Gérard Larcher

The visit reaffirmed diplomatic relations between Ghana and France.