Ghana is set to host a 3-day international high-level conference in Accra on June 17 2026, as conversations on global engagement with historical justice, remembrance, and the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade intensify.

This was announced in a statement issued by the Government Communications Spokesperson and Minister, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, following an apology by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV for the Holy See’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, which took place between the late 15th century and the late 19th century.

In a speech delivered by Pope Leo XIV, he gave a historic apology for the Holy See’s role in the transatlantic slave trade on Monday, May 25, at the Vatican during the presentation of his first encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence”, describing the act as “a wound in Christian memory”.

“It is impossible not to feel deep sorrow when contemplating the immense suffering and humiliation endured by so many in stark contrast to their immeasurable dignity as persons infinitely loved by the Lord. For this, in the name of the Church, I sincerely ask for pardon”, the Pope said.

In reaction to the Pope’s apology, the government, in a statement on May 28, 2026, welcomed the apology, describing it as “an act of moral courage” and announced Ghana’s hosting of the High-Level Consultative Conference on Historical Justice, Remembrance, and the Legacy of the Transatlantic Slave Trade from June 17–19.

“The Government of the Republic of Ghana warmly welcomes the historic statement by His Holiness Pope Leo XI acknowledging and apologising for the role played by the Holy See in legitimising and sustaining the enslavement of Africans and the transatlantic slave trade.

“His Holiness Pope Leo XI’s apology is particularly significant and refreshing, as it demonstrates a willingness to confront difficult historical truths in the interest of justice, understanding and reconciliation, ” parts of the statement read.

It went on to highlight the hardships Africans were subjected to under the slave system and the indelible prints it has left on them until now. According to the government, the Pope’s acknowledgement of the sufferings of Africans during the slavery era helps expedite the healing and reconciliation process.

“For five centuries, millions of Africans and people of African descent endured unimaginable suffering and dehumanisation through systems of racialised chattel enslavement whose effects continue to shape societies and communities across the world today.”

“Honest recognition of this painful history remains an essential step toward healing, reconciliation and a more just future” the government continued.

In this regard, Ghana looks forward to welcoming the international community to Accra from 17th to 19th June 2026 for the High-Level Consultative Conference being convened by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, on the next steps following the adoption of the Resolution, aimed at sustaining global engagement on historical justice, remembrance, and human dignity.”

President John Dramani Mahama was also cited in the statement as viewing the development as significant in ongoing international discussions on historical accountability.

At the last United Nations General Assembly, President John Dramani Mahama presented a motion to declare the transatlantic slave trade and the enslavement of Africans as “the gravest crime against humanity,” describing it as a landmark in global efforts to preserve historical memory and promote justice.

Ghana also expressed hope that countries that did not support the resolution would eventually align with its objectives and participate in its implementation.

President Mahama, according to the statement, expressed appreciation to Pope Leo XIV for his apology and said he looks forward to continued global engagement on truth, healing, and reconciliation.