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254-0: Ghana Celebrates France’s Unanimous Repeal of ‘Code Noir,’ the 1685 Law That Classified Africans as Property

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In an unprecedented and unanimous vote, French lawmakers have repealed the Code Noir — the infamous 1685 slave code enacted under King Louis XIV that legally classified enslaved Africans as personal property and justified the mutilation of their body parts.

The vote, which passed 254-0 in the National Assembly, marks the first time France has formally struck from its legal corpus the 60-article decree that for centuries underpinned the country’s transatlantic slave trade.

The move has been hailed by Ghana’s government as a direct and consequential outcome of a landmark United Nations resolution championed by President John Mahama.

What Was the ‘Code Noir’?

Issued in March 1685 by King Louis XIV, the Code Noir (Black Code) was originally designed to regulate slavery in French colonial territories. While it mandated minimal religious instruction and basic food rations, its core articles dehumanized millions of Africans.

Article 44 famously declared enslaved people to be “movable property” (meubles), placing them in the same legal category as livestock or furniture. Other articles authorized the branding, ear mutilation, and hamstringing of enslaved individuals who attempted to flee. The code remained influential in French colonies, including Saint-Domingue (modern-day Haiti), Martinique, and Guadeloupe, for over 160 years.

Although formally abrogated by the French Revolution of 1848, legal scholars have long noted that several of its dehumanizing provisions remained scattered in colonial-era statutes, never having received a clean, symbolic repeal by a modern republican parliament.

That changed on Wednesday.

‘Atrocious and Dehumanizing’

Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, celebrated the news in a Facebook post, calling the repeal “atrocious and dehumanizing” laws finally being cast into history. The unanimous vote, he wrote, demonstrates both the significance and consequential power of the UN Resolution championed by President John Mahama.”

That resolution, passed in March 2025 with the backing of 123 UN member states, formally declared the transatlantic enslavement of Africans the “gravest crime against humanity” — a designation that carries no binding legal enforcement but has rapidly gained moral and political traction.

Ghana’s Role and the ‘Defining Next Steps Conference’

President Mahama, who has made reparatory justice a cornerstone of his foreign policy, has already signaled that Ghana will not rest on symbolic victories.

On June 17-19, 2026, Accra will host the “Next Steps Conference on Reparatory Justice,” where Ghanaian officials expect to formulate a common strategy for financial restitution, the return of cultural artifacts, and public health and education investments in descendant communities.

“Those who thought the landmark Ghana-led resolution was a mere academic exercise must be revising their position,” Ablakwa wrote. “I remain absolutely confident that comprehensive reparatory justice shall be achieved in our lifetime.”

Parallel Vatican Apology

The French vote came in the same week that Pope Leo XIV issued a formal apology for the Catholic Church’s historical role in slavery, including the Church’s ownership of enslaved people and its theological justifications for the transatlantic trade. The Government of Ghana has formally welcomed the Pope’s apology.

What the Repeal Changes (and What It Doesn’t)

Legally, the repeal is largely symbolic, as France’s modern penal and civil codes already outlawed racial discrimination and slavery. However, legal experts and activists argue that symbolism matters. By voting unanimously, France has made a public, irreversible legislative statement that its own foundational slave laws were a crime against humanity.

No French politician voted against the repeal. No abstentions were recorded.

For Ghana and the wider African Union, the vote is seen as a critical precedent. Activists are now calling on the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, and the United Kingdom to conduct similar legislative purges of their own historical slave codes — and, more controversially, to begin direct financial reparations discussions.

‘Victory Shall Be Ours’

As the vote was confirmed in Paris, Foreign Minister Ablakwa closed his statement with an unequivocal promise: “Victory shall be ours. For God, Country and Africa.”

For the global reparatory justice movement, Wednesday’s 254-0 vote in France suggests that victory, once a fringe demand, is moving steadily toward the mainstream of international diplomacy.

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Ghana Catholic Bishops Slam Aid Cut Threats Over New Anti-LGBTQ Bill, Impending Transport Fare Hikes, and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today

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We have curated the most relevant and impactful stories from across Ghana today to keep you updated. Stay informed.

Catholic Bishops Tell Donors ‘Ghana Can Survive Without Your Aid’ Over Anti-LGBTQ Bill

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has issued a strong response to foreign threats of cutting aid following Parliament’s passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. President of the Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, stated that Ghana must be ready to forgo foreign assistance that comes with conditions conflicting with the nation’s values and sovereignty. The bishops emphasized that the country’s dignity and moral principles are non-negotiable. Read the full story here.

Government Debunks Fake Cambodia Deportation Notice

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed circulating notices claiming mass deportation of Ghanaians from Cambodia as fake. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa assured citizens that the government is actively working with Cambodian authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of all Ghanaians in the country. He urged the public to disregard the misleading information and rely on official channels for updates. Read the full story here.

Transport Fares to Increase by 20% from June 2

Commuters across Ghana will face a 20% increase in transport fares effective Tuesday, June 2, 2026, following an announcement by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and allied operators. The increment, driven by rising fuel prices and spare parts costs, affects trotros, taxis, and inter-city services. Operators appealed for public understanding while calling on the government to address underlying economic pressures. Read the full story here.

Pregnant Woman and Son Return to Ghana After US Detention

A pregnant Ghanaian woman, Anabella Gyasi, and her 4-year-old son have returned home after being detained for over a week at Washington Dulles International Airport. The pair were held in a windowless room following their arrival on tourist visas. A U.S. federal judge ordered their release, allowing them to fly back to Ghana. The case has drawn attention to immigration procedures and conditions at U.S. airports. Read the full story here.

Third Ghanaian Pilgrim Dies During 2026 Hajj

The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has announced the death of a third Ghanaian pilgrim, Hajia Kubura Salifu, during the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia. The 52-year-old passed away in Mina after completing the Arafat ritual. She has been buried according to Islamic rites, and her family has been informed. PAOG extended condolences and noted the spiritual significance of passing during Hajj. Read the full story here.

Independence Square to Host Farewell for Late Apostle Kwadwo Safo

The family of the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo has announced revised funeral arrangements, including a grand national farewell ceremony at Independence Square in Accra on July 31, 2026. The burial service will take place at Gomoa Mpota on July 30. The changes were made after consultations with the Asantehene, church leaders, and family members abroad to allow adequate time for international travel. Read the full story here.

Ghana Expects No More IMF Bailouts – Finance Minister

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson has stated that Ghana does not anticipate seeking another IMF bailout in the foreseeable future. He emphasized that the country is shifting from an emergency support recipient to an equal policy partner with the Fund. The minister quoted President John Dramani Mahama’s vision that the current programme should be Ghana’s last IMF engagement. Read the full story here.

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Ghana News

Ghana Passes Controversial Anti-LGBTQ Bill Amid Dispute Over Media, Professional Exemptions

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Ghana’s Parliament has passed the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, widely referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill, after months of intense national debate and international scrutiny.

The legislation, sponsored by a group of bipartisan lawmakers, seeks to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy and the promotion of what it describes as non-conventional sexual relations and family values.

However, even as the bill cleared its second reading on Thursday, a heated fight has erupted between co-sponsors and other lawmakers over proposed clauses that would exempt journalists, media houses, and certain professionals from the bill’s sanctions.

The disputed clauses would allow journalists and media houses to report on LGBTQ-related news or current affairs in the normal course of their work, as well as permit medical, surgical, psychological, or counselling professionals to offer services to LGBTQ individuals without penalty.

The Member of Parliament for Assin South and co-sponsor of the bill, Rev John Ntim Fordjour, together with the MP for Bosome-Freho, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, are leading the fight against these exemptions. They argue that the proposed changes are “totally unacceptable” and would be used as a pretext to promote LGBTQ activities. The dispute has created an unusual split, with Minority side MPs joining Fordjour in opposing clauses that some had assumed would be widely supported.

Deep divisions mark legislative milestone

The bill’s passage represents one of the most divisive legislative moments in Ghana’s recent democratic history, drawing strong support from conservative and religious groups while facing sharp criticism from human rights organisations and sections of the international community. Among other provisions, the bill proposes penalties for individuals who engage in same-sex relations, as well as sanctions against persons or organisations accused of promoting, funding or advocating LGBTQ+ activities.

Supporters of the legislation argue that it is necessary to preserve Ghanaian cultural, religious and family values. Several religious bodies and traditional leaders have publicly backed the bill during parliamentary deliberations, insisting that the legislation reflects the moral beliefs of the majority of Ghanaians. Critics, however, warn that the law could undermine constitutional rights, including freedom of expression, association and protection from discrimination.

Long and contentious journey to passage

The bill, formally titled the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, was originally introduced in June 2021 by a bipartisan group of Members of Parliament led by Ningo-Prampram MP Sam George. It underwent its first reading in August 2021 and was subsequently referred to Parliament’s Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee for scrutiny.

Between 2021 and 2022, the committee held extensive public hearings involving religious bodies, traditional authorities, legal experts, civil society organisations and human rights groups. Those hearings sparked widespread public debate, with supporters arguing the bill was necessary to protect Ghanaian cultural and family values, while opponents described it as unconstitutional and discriminatory.

As the bill now moves toward final passage, the unresolved dispute over exemptions for journalists, lawyers, and medical professionals threatens to delay its progress. The outcome of that fight will determine not only the scope of the law but also whether Ghana’s media and healthcare workers can continue to serve all citizens without fear of prosecution.

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Ghana News

“They Are Aiding Illegal Immigrants”: South African Activist Jacinta Cries Foul as Human Rights Commission Drags Her to Court

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The leader of the March and March Movement in South Africa, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, who has been at the forefront of actions described as xenophobic attacks against Ghanaians and other African nationals, has broken down in a viral video claiming that the South African Human Rights Commission is unlawfully dragging her to court.

In the video shared on May 28, 2026, Ngobese-Zuma disclosed that the Commission has filed a lawsuit against her personally, against her movement, and against her lawyer.

She insisted that the legal action is illegitimate and that the Commission should instead be protecting her and her members from what she terms “illegal immigrants.”

“The Human Rights Commission has taken me to court in my personal capacity, taken our lawyer to court, and some of our members as well. They have cited us as respondents because they claim the police need to arrest us for stopping illegal immigrants in hospitals who are here for all kinds of reasons besides emergency healthcare,” she said.

Ngobese-Zuma accused the Commission of abandoning its mandate:

“The South African Human Rights Commission, which is supposed to protect our right to life and ensure that the law is upheld, is the very same commission now seeking to aid and abet illegal immigrants in the country instead of making provisions for them to be deported and returned to their countries of origin,” she added.

According to her, South Africa has become dangerously relaxed about illegal immigration, and state resources are being stretched to cater for people who are not South African citizens.

“The country can no longer take care of all these illegal immigrants. None of our resources is capable of, or even budgeted for, accommodating so many people who are not South African citizens,” she argued.

The activist then issued an emotional call to action, urging fellow South Africans to pack the Durban High Court on her appearance date.

“So, we are calling on all South Africans who are available on Tuesday to please join us at the Durban High Court. That is where we will be appearing, and we want to make our voices heard. Therefore, we call on all of you who are available on the day to please join us,” she pleaded.

The development comes as the Ghanaian government has begun an evacuation exercise for its nationals living in South Africa, following a series of xenophobic attacks against African immigrants.

The contrast between Ghana’s evacuation of its citizens and Ngobese-Zuma’s legal persecution narrative highlights the deepening regional tensions over immigration policy and human rights enforcement in Southern Africa.

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