Ghana to host high-level UN side event on reparatory justice in September

President John Dramani Mahama says Ghana will host a high-level side event at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in September 2026 to advance the global campaign for reparatory justice for Africa and people of African descent.

He made the announcement while addressing African leaders at the 21st Extraordinary Summit of the African Union in Luanda, Angola, where he provided an update on Ghana’s efforts to push the international reparations agenda.

According to President Mahama, the proposed event will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to present progress reports and outline the next steps in the campaign.

He said the discussions will focus particularly on the work of panels established to advance the implementation of the reparations resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2025.

The panels are expected to provide expertise and recommendations covering the political, legal, historical and cultural dimensions of reparatory justice.

President Mahama also highlighted the outcomes of the Next Steps Conference held in Accra in June 2026. The conference expanded the reparations agenda to include indentured labour as a historical injustice.

It also led to the establishment of three specialised bodies: the High-Level Advisory Council on Reparatory Justice, the Global Experts Panel on the Restitution of Cultural Heritage, and the Global Legal Panel on Reparatory Justice.

President Mahama, who was recognised as the African Union Champion for Reparations during the June conference, said Ghana would continue to provide leadership in the campaign.

“As a follow-up, Ghana will host a high-level side event during the 81st UN General Assembly Session this September to receive progress reports from our established panels.”

“I have invited all Heads of State to join us as we continue to lead the charge for justice, restitution, and dignity for Africa and people of African descent worldwide” he added.