Mahama leads world leaders to observe Juneteenth at Christiansborg Castle

President John Dramani Mahama on Friday, June 19, led a distinguished gathering of Heads of State, government officials, traditional leaders, members of the African diaspora and international delegates at Christiansborg Castle in Osu, Accra, for a historic joint commemoration of Juneteenth by Africa and the United States.

The landmark event marked the first time Juneteenth, America's oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery, has been officially observed outside the United States, symbolising a renewed commitment to remembrance, healing, unity and reparatory justice among people of African descent worldwide.

Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19, commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they had been freed, more than two years after the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln.

The historic observance in Accra brought together prominent leaders from Africa, the Caribbean and the global African diaspora, including Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados, traditional authorities, diplomats, scholars and representatives of international organisations.

The ceremony was held at Christiansborg Castle, a site deeply connected to the history of the transatlantic slave trade and one of Ghana’s most significant historical landmarks.

Activities during the event included a moving reenactment of the transatlantic slave trade performed by the School of Performing Arts of the University of Ghana. The performance depicted the suffering, displacement and resilience of millions of Africans who were forcibly taken from the continent and transported across the Atlantic.

A solemn wreath-laying ceremony was also held to honour the memory of enslaved Africans and their descendants.

President Mahama laid the first wreath on behalf of the Government and People of Ghana, while Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley laid the second wreath on behalf of the Government and People of Barbados, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Africans in the diaspora.

The third wreath was laid by Dr. Nii Odaifio Welentsi III, President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area, on behalf of African traditional rulers.

Dr. Julius Winston Garvey, Founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League, laid the fourth wreath on behalf of Africans in the diaspora.

Also in attendance was Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, President of the National House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, alongside other traditional leaders and dignitaries.

Addressing participants, President Mahama reflected on the painful legacy of the transatlantic slave trade and paid tribute to the millions of Africans who endured enslavement, displacement, family separation and the loss of identity.

He also celebrated the resilience, courage and achievements of their descendants who continue to contribute to societies around the world while maintaining connections to their African heritage.

The President noted that the Juneteenth commemoration followed the successful conclusion of the Next Steps High-Level Consultative Conference on Reparatory Justice, which brought together leaders, legal experts and advocates from more than 80 countries.

According to him, participants at the conference adopted an outcome document intended to guide future international cooperation on reparatory justice, restitution, historical remembrance and reconciliation.

President Mahama stressed that the pursuit of justice extends beyond financial compensation and the return of cultural artefacts.

“The quest for justice is not only about reparations. It is also about building a more equitable world where dignity, opportunity and fairness are accessible to all people,” he stated.

Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to strengthening ties with the African diaspora, the President highlighted several policies aimed at facilitating reconnection with the continent.

He pointed to initiatives that provide pathways for people of African descent to obtain residence in Ghana, as well as ongoing efforts to expand visa-free travel arrangements across Africa and between African nations and CARICOM member states.

“Ghana is your home. You are always welcome in the motherland,” President Mahama declared.

He added that Ghana remains committed to creating opportunities for descendants of enslaved Africans to reconnect with their ancestral roots and actively participate in the country’s development.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, in her address, described both the Juneteenth commemoration and the Reparatory Justice Conference as historic moments in the global struggle for justice and recognition.

She reflected on the 1661 Slave Code enacted in Barbados, which legally institutionalised the dehumanisation and exploitation of Africans during the colonial era.

“That wrong was known then. It must be answered now,” she said.

Prime Minister Mottley emphasized the importance of repair, healing and unity in addressing the enduring consequences of slavery and colonialism.

She praised Ghana for its leadership role in advancing conversations around reparatory justice and strengthening ties between Africa and its diaspora.

“Ghana, which called the world to freedom decades ago, is once again leading the effort to ensure dignity, prosperity and peace for Africans and their descendants,” she stated.

The broader Accra Summit, hosted by President Mahama, sought to reinforce the international community’s recognition of the enduring impact of the enslavement of Africans and the racialised chattel enslavement system that shaped centuries of global history.

The summit attracted world leaders, diplomats, academics, development partners, civil society organisations and representatives of the African diaspora from more than 80 countries.

Among the notable leaders who attended were President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados, Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua of Equatorial Guinea, President Carlos Vila Nova of São Tomé and Príncipe and Speaker of the Algerian Parliament, Azouz Nasri.

The event is expected to further strengthen global dialogue on reparatory justice, historical accountability and the role of Africa and its diaspora in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future.