The Ho Collective of the Socialist Movement of Ghana (SMG) has strongly opposed plans for French President Emmanuel Macron to deliver a keynote address at the upcoming High-Level Consultative Conference on Reparatory Justice scheduled to take place in Ghana from June 17 to 19.
In a statement issued by the group’s Youth Wing Leader, Atisu Olivia, the collective described Macron’s invitation as inappropriate and inconsistent with the objectives of the conference, which is expected to focus on reparatory justice for historical injustices, including slavery and colonialism.
According to the statement, France’s historical involvement in the transatlantic slave trade and colonial activities in Africa raises concerns about the country’s suitability to play a leading role in discussions on reparations. The group argued that France has yet to adequately address its historical responsibilities and questioned the credibility of allowing its president to serve as a keynote speaker at such an event.
The collective also referenced France’s decision to abstain from a United Nations resolution on reparatory justice in March 2026, describing the move as evidence of what it called a lack of commitment to accountability and reparative measures.
“How does the accused, who has shown no remorse, offered no apology, or shown any accountability, become the central voice in this conference?” the statement questioned.
The group further criticized France’s historical and contemporary relations with African countries, particularly in the Sahel and Francophone West Africa. It argued that ongoing economic and political ties between France and some African states continue to reflect forms of neo-colonial influence that undermine sovereignty and development.
According to the SMG Ho Collective, inviting Macron to address the conference risks shifting attention away from the core objectives of the reparations movement and could provide France with an opportunity to improve its international image without addressing longstanding grievances linked to slavery, colonialism and political interference on the continent.
The statement also cited the withdrawal of French military forces from parts of the Sahel as a significant anti-imperialist development, arguing that hosting the French president at a reparatory justice conference in Africa could be viewed as contradictory to recent efforts by some African governments to reduce French influence in the region.
The group called on the organizers of the conference and the Government of Ghana to immediately withdraw the invitation extended to President Macron.
Reaffirming its support for reparatory justice, the Ho Collective urged African governments, civil society organizations and citizens across the continent to join its opposition to Macron’s participation in the event.
The High-Level Consultative Conference on Reparatory Justice is expected to bring together policymakers, academics, civil society groups and international stakeholders to discuss pathways toward reparations and historical justice for people of African descent.
(Atisu Olivia) Youth Wing Leader, Ho-Collective
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