President John Dramani Mahama has announced the establishment of three global panels aimed at advancing international efforts toward reparatory justice and addressing the enduring legacy of slavery and colonialism.
He made the announcement at the opening of the Next Steps Conference on Reparatory Justice in Accra on Thursday, June 18, 2026, describing the panels as key pillars for translating global recognition of historical injustices into meaningful action.
According to President Mahama, the initiative is intended to provide strategic leadership, technical expertise, and legal guidance to strengthen international cooperation on reparations.
“I am pleased to announce the establishment of three global panels which will serve as the pillars of the next phase of this international effort,” he stated.
The first panel, the Global Advisory Panel on Reparatory Justice, will comprise heads of state and government, eminent leaders, and influential public figures. Its role will be to provide strategic direction and promote international dialogue and cooperation on reparatory justice.
“The first is a global advisory panel on reparatory justice comprising heads of state and government, eminent leaders and public figures, who will provide strategic guidance to advance international dialogue and cooperation,” President Mahama said.
The second panel will focus on the restitution of cultural artefacts, archives, and sacred objects removed from African communities during the eras of slavery and colonialism. It is expected to support efforts to facilitate the return of these items to their rightful owners and countries of origin.
“The second is an expert panel on the restitution of cultural artefacts, which will support efforts to facilitate the return of cultural properties, archives, sacred objects and historical treasures to their rightful communities and countries of origin,” he explained.
The third initiative, the Global Legal Panel on Reparatory Justice, will bring together renowned jurists and legal scholars to develop legal frameworks and approaches rooted in international law, justice, and human dignity.
“The third is a global legal panel on reparatory justice, which will bring together distinguished jurists and legal scholars,” he said.
President Mahama emphasised that the newly established panels are not intended to replace the work of governments, regional bodies, or international organisations. Rather, they are designed to complement and strengthen existing efforts by providing intellectual, technical, and policy support.
“These panels are not intended to replace the work of governments, regional organisations or international institutions. Rather, they are intended to strengthen that work by providing intellectual, technical and policy support,” he noted.
The announcement formed part of discussions at the Next Steps Conference on Reparatory Justice, which brought together world leaders, policymakers, legal experts, academics, and diaspora representatives to explore practical pathways for addressing the long-term consequences of the transatlantic slave trade and advancing the global reparations agenda.
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