Ghana is set to host a high-level international conference in June to develop a common global framework on reparatory justice.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced this on Wednesday during a working visit by the Vice President to the Ministry.
He said the meeting, scheduled for June 18 and 19, will bring together heads of state, foreign ministers, international organisations and diaspora groups to agree on a unified position on reparations linked to the transatlantic slave trade.
He noted that the conference follows Ghana’s recent success at the United Nations, where it led the adoption of a resolution recognising the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity.
He stated the upcoming gathering will focus on defining the next steps after that decision.
According to the minister, participants will include representatives from the African Union, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), UNESCO and diaspora organisations, all working toward a shared framework that can guide global action on reparatory justice.
He said the aim is to harmonise existing proposals, including the CARICOM 10-point plan and efforts by the African Union, into a single blueprint that countries and institutions can adopt.
Mr Ablakwa noted that outcomes from the Accra conference will feed into further discussions at the United Nations General Assembly, where Ghana plans to host a side event to advance the agreed framework.
He said the process reflects a broader effort to build consensus across regions and strengthen cooperation among countries and groups advocating for reparatory justice.
He also outlined a range of reforms within the ministry. He said these include the introduction of chip-embedded passports that meet international standards, a reduction in processing times to less than 15 days, and the rollout of an emergency one-day service for urgent travel needs.
He added that passport application centres have now been established in all 16 regions, improving access to services across the country.
The minister also highlighted the introduction of courier delivery for passports and a reduction in fees, aimed at making the process more accessible.
On visa policy, he said Ghana has expanded its visa waiver agreements, increasing the number of countries Ghanaians can travel to without visas to about 50.
He noted that an electronic visa system will be introduced to simplify entry procedures, while maintaining security through enhanced screening measures.
He further explained that the government’s planned free visa policy for African travellers will remove visa fees but retain the application and vetting process.
He said these measures are intended to improve service delivery, support travel and trade, and strengthen Ghana’s engagement with the rest of the world.