Arusha: President John Dramani Mahama has called on member states of the African Union (AU) to reinforce their commitment to the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights (AfCHPR), located in Arusha, Tanzania. Speaking at the inauguration of the 2026 Judicial Year and the 20th Anniversary of the AfCHPR, President Mahama emphasized the importance of solidifying the court's role as a leading international judicial entity.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama urged African countries that have not yet ratified the AfCHPR Protocol to do so promptly. He reassured these nations that the court poses no threat and encouraged all African nations and individuals to honor and implement its judgments in good faith. Furthermore, he advocated for the declaration allowing individuals and non-governmental organizations direct access to the court.
President Mahama reflected on personal history, recounting the tribulations faced by his late father, Mr. E.A. Mahama, during Ghana's turbulent political past. Following the 1966 military coup that overthrew President Kwame Nkrumah, Mr. Mahama was detained and later lived in exile for 13 years. President Mahama highlighted that many others suffered even more severe injustices, underscoring the need for a robust judicial system to address such grievances.
He paid tribute to iconic African figures like Lumumba, Mondlane, Sankara, and Mandela, noting that if the African Court had existed earlier, it could have addressed significant human rights abuses and injustices. President Mahama stressed the importance of mutual support among African nations and the responsibility to realize the dreams of their ancestors.
Reflecting on the progress made, President Mahama noted the strengthening of justice systems across Africa, including in Ghana. He expressed hope that the AfCHPR would continue to protect the rights and dignity of African people and called for a renewed commitment to uphold promises made to future generations. He concluded by affirming the urgency of meeting the challenges of protecting human rights across the continent.