Reparatory Justice & Culture: Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama opened Accra’s Next Steps High-Level Consultative Conference on reparatory justice, calling for a “new phase” beyond acknowledgment—pushing truth-telling, reconciliation, and concrete measures. He announced three pillars: a Global Advisory Panel on reparatory justice, an expert panel on restitution of cultural artefacts, and a global legal panel for redress. Regional Participation: The meeting drew major African and diaspora voices, including Presidents from Senegal, Namibia, Liberia, and São Tomé and Príncipe, plus Barbados’ PM Mia Amor Mottley—showing how the slavery-reparations debate is now a shared cultural and political agenda. Juneteenth in Accra: Mahama also led a historic Juneteenth commemoration at Christiansborg Castle in Osu, marking the end of U.S. slavery and featuring a reenactment by the University of Ghana’s School of Performing Arts and wreath-laying with regional leaders. Health & Women’s Empowerment: Separately, Merck Foundation’s Africa Asia Luminary brought together First Ladies and health experts to expand healthcare capacity, including women-focused support under the “More Than a Mother” campaign. Cultural Diplomacy Watch: Ukraine’s intelligence reports Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” across Africa—including São Tomé and Príncipe—aimed at shaping youth opinion and influence.