Ghana to host Global Justice Summit following Pope Leo XIV’s apology on slave trade

Ghana is set to host a high-level Global Justice Summit in Accra in June, following Pope Leo XIV’s landmark apology for the Catholic Church’s historical role in the transatlantic slave trade.

The government announced the conference as a direct response to the Pope’s apology and recent global momentum on reparatory justice, including a key United Nations resolution.

In a statement issued on Thursday, May 28, 2026, and signed by Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidency warmly welcomed Pope Leo XIV’s apology, describing it as “an act of moral courage” and a significant contribution to the global pursuit of historical truth, human dignity, and justice.

Read government's response to Pope Leo XIV’s slave trade apology

The statement also noted that President John Dramani Mahama views the Pope’s gesture as a timely moral step, especially as the world continues to confront the enduring legacies of slavery and colonialism.

“Millions of Africans and people of African descent suffered unimaginable suffering and dehumanisation under centuries of enslavement, with effects that continue to resonate across generations,” the statement said.

It further referenced United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/80/250, which declared the trafficking and enslavement of Africans as “the gravest crime against humanity.”

Against this background, Ghana will host the High-Level Consultative Conference on Historical Justice and Human Dignity from June 17 to 19, 2026.

The summit, to be convened by President Mahama, will focus on practical next steps following the UN resolution and will strengthen international engagement on issues of historical justice, remembrance, reparations, and reconciliation.

“Ghana, which played a central role in the transatlantic slave trade through its historic forts and castles, remains committed to advancing historical justice and the restoration of human dignity,” the statement emphasised.

Ghana welcomes Pope's apology over Catholic Church's role in slavery

The government expressed hope that countries which did not support the UN resolution would eventually align with its objectives.

President Mahama also conveyed appreciation to Pope Leo XIV for his courageous gesture and looks forward to continued global dialogue on truth, healing, and shared humanity.

VKB/VPO