The ACCRA NEXT STEPS COMMITMENTS ON REPARATORY JUSTICE adopted at the High-Level Consultative Conference Held in Accra from 17th – 19th June 2026) clearly states that:
“We recognise the importance of protecting cultural properties, preserving cultural heritage and antiquities and the need to safeguard cultural properties from trafficking. We resolve to accelerate the return of cultural property, human remains, archives and heritage to countries of origin and commit to support cultural restoration and preservation initiatives. We recognise the importance of the restitution of cultural identity and heritage and reaffirm the Common African Position on the Restitution of Heritage Resources (2023). We also commit to strengthen coordination at UNESCO and other multilateral fora to advance the renewal and updating of the existing framework related to the return of cultural heritage”.
It is against this background that Ghana is set to lead a number of side-line initiatives in New York, during the 81st Session of the UNGA, including a High-Level event on the “Restitution of Cultural Property and Heritage” Pillar of the Reparatory Justice Agenda.