President John Dramani Mahama has called on African Union member states that have not yet ratified the Protocol establishing the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights to do so without delay.
The President made this appeal on Monday during his keynote address at the official opening of the 2026 Judicial Year and 20th Anniversary of the African Court in Arusha, Tanzania.
He assured leaders in countries that have not ratified the Protocol that they have nothing to fear from the Court, urging them to make the declaration to allow individuals and NGOs direct access to the institution.
“I call upon African Union member states who have not yet ratified the Protocol to please do so without delay. To my colleagues in those countries, I assure you that you have nothing to fear from this Court,” President Mahama stated.
He humbly asked all African nations and individuals to respect and implement the Court’s judgements in good faith.
The President emphasized that over the past two decades of its operation, the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights has proven time and again that it has the fortitude and courage to recalibrate the continent’s moral compass.
He stated that Africa needs that kind of oversight to remain observant and respectful of the rights and duties enumerated in the articles of the Banjul Charter, to which all the continent’s nations are signatory.
President Mahama noted that the Charter complements the Court’s mission, stressing that the continent must empower the Court to be the institution that stands guard over those ideals, protecting and preserving Africa’s greatest inheritance.
He expressed pride that Ghana has contributed its share of legal minds to the august court over the years, noting that Justice Sophia Akuffo served from 2006 to 2014 and rose to the position of President of the court before later serving as Chief Justice of Ghana from 2017 until her retirement in 2019.
The President disclosed that Justice Dennis Adjei, a respected member of Ghana’s Supreme Court, is currently serving a six-year term following his 2022 election to the African Court.
President Mahama shared his personal connection to the themes of justice, due process, and the rule of law, revealing that as a teenager, he often dreamt of his father standing before judges, awaiting their decision on his fate.
“Although I stand before you as a Head of State, I remain the child whose father was detained for serving his country and advising its leader,” President Mahama said.
He noted that had the African Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights existed earlier in Africa’s past, grave instances of human rights abuse involving Patrice Lumumba, Eduardo Mondlane, Thomas Sankara, Amilcar Cabral, Nelson Mandela, and Steve Biko would have been important cases to adjudicate.
“We would have secured justice against racist apartheid criminals, colonialists and even our own oppressive African dictators who tortured and killed many,” President Mahama stated.
He called for deepened commitment to the Court so that in 20 years, when the continent celebrates its 40th anniversary, it will stand as the leading international judicial body and a model for others.
“Now is the time for us to meet the challenge of keeping the promises we have made to future generations—promises we have signed and pledged to uphold. Now is the time for Africa to step into its greatness,” President Mahama declared.
He officially declared the 2026 Judicial Year of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights open on behalf of all the good citizens of Africa
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
