Ghana is engaged in discussions with several Western countries regarding reparations for the transatlantic slave trade, including efforts to recover African cultural artefacts taken during that period. President John Mahama said the country’s approach extends beyond financial compensation to encompass the return of stolen artefacts and broader measures aimed at addressing the lasting impacts of slavery.
Speaking at the Africa Summit, Mahama noted that Ghana had received overtures from Germany, France, and other nations interested in dialogue on the issue. He emphasized that Ghana’s demands do not focus solely on monetary settlements but rather consider multiple forms of redress.
Ghana, which gained independence from Britain in 1957, has taken a leading role in advocating for reparations related to the enslavement of millions of Africans over four centuries. In the summer, the country hosted a summit in Accra attended by African and Caribbean nations, where participants agreed on a framework urging governments to pursue compensation, repatriation of cultural property, and initiatives such as debt relief to mitigate the enduring consequences of enslavement and colonialism.
In March, France and Germany co-sponsored a United Nations resolution condemning the transatlantic slave trade as the “gravest crime against humanity.” The resolution was adopted but met with abstentions from the United Kingdom and the European Union, and opposition from the United States. Since then, Mahama said, some countries have shown greater willingness to engage in discussions, although no commitments to financial payments have been made. He indicated that these talks could help improve conditions conducive to development in the Global South.
Research from the Slave Voyages database estimates that at least 12.5 million Africans were forcibly transported to the Americas between 1501 and 1866. The majority of enslaved individuals were carried primarily by Portuguese and British ships. Ghana, historically known as the Gold Coast, was a key embarkation point where many captives were shipped overseas.
Alongside the human toll, thousands of cultural artefacts were also removed during the slavery and colonial periods, now held by museums and private collectors outside Africa. Mahama confirmed that Ghana is pursuing the return of these items as part of ongoing discussions. Notably, France passed legislation in May aimed at streamlining the restitution process by allowing the government to authorize returns without requiring specific laws for each case. Similarly, the Netherlands and Germany have established mechanisms to facilitate the repatriation of cultural property.
These developments reflect a growing international conversation about historical accountability and the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, with Ghana positioning itself as a central advocate for justice and restitution.