Ghana has welcomed an apology by Pope Leo XIV acknowledging and taking responsibility for the role played by the Holy See in legitimising and sustaining the enslavement of Africans and the transatlantic slave trade, calling it an act of moral courage and an important contribution to the global pursuit of historical truth and justice.
The Government of Ghana expressed its position in a press statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, saying the Pope’s statement comes at a moment when the international community is engaged in deeper reflection on the historical consequences of slavery and colonialism.
Ghana noted that during negotiations on United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/80/250, which declared the trafficking and racialised chattel enslavement of Africans the gravest crime against humanity, questions around the historical role of the Church, including references to Papal Bulls, generated extensive debate.
Against that background, the government said the Pope’s willingness to confront those difficult truths openly made his apology all the more significant.
“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,” the statement said, adding that honest recognition of this history remains an essential step toward healing and reconciliation.
As a country whose coastline holds more slave trade forts and castles than any other in the world, Ghana said it remains committed to working with international partners, faith communities, civil society and people of conscience everywhere to advance historical justice, remembrance and the restoration of human dignity.
The government also used the statement to draw attention to a High-Level Consultative Conference being convened by President John Dramani Mahama in Accra from 17th to 19th June 2026, which will focus on the next steps following the adoption of the UN Resolution and sustaining global engagement on historical justice and human dignity.
Ghana expressed hope that countries which did not support the Resolution would in time align with its objectives and join the broader international community in working toward its implementation.
President Mahama expressed appreciation to Pope Leo XIV for the step taken and said he looks forward to continued global engagement in promoting truth, healing and a shared commitment to humanity.
Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran,ISD
