ARUSHA, March 2, – President John Dramani Mahama has called on African Union (AU) member states to strengthen their support for the Arusha-based African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) during its 2026 Judicial Year opening and 20th anniversary celebrations in Arusha, Tanzania. “Now is the time to deepen our commitment to the Court, so that in 20 years, when we celebrate its 40th anniversary, it will stand as the leading international judicial body and a model for others. Now is the time for Africa to step into its greatness,” President Mahama declared.
He urged non-ratifying AU states to promptly approve the AfCHPR Protocol and declare direct access for individuals and NGOs. “To my colleagues in those countries, I assure you that you have nothing to fear from this Court. I humbly ask all African nations and individuals to respect and implement the Court’s judgments in good faith,” he added.
Ghana’s Proud Contributions
President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s role, noting that Justice Sophia Akuffo served as AfCHPR President from 2006 to 2014 before becoming Ghana’s Chief Justice (2017–2019). Justice Sir Dennis Adjei currently serves a six-year term on Ghana’s Supreme Court following his 2022 election to the AfCHPR.
Personal Reflections on Injustice
Drawing from family history, the President recalled his late father, E.A. Mahama—a minister under Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah—who endured detention after the 1966 coup, interrogation, over a year in custody, and 13 years in exile following another coup. He contrasted this with greater African injustices faced by figures like Patrice Lumumba, Eduardo Mondlane, Thomas Sankara, Amilcar Cabral, Nana Prempeh I, Yaa Asantewaa, Omukama Kabalega, Sam Nujoma, Nelson Mandela, and Steve Biko—martyrs of the African revolution.
“Had the AfCHPR existed then, these grave human rights abuses by colonialists, apartheid criminals, and oppressive dictators would have been pivotal cases,” he said. Africa’s true wealth lies not just in resources like gold, oil, and lithium, but in its people and legacies—often targeted by exploiters.
A Shared Destiny
President Mahama emphasized continental interconnectedness: “We are each other’s keepers... each of us a keeper of the dreams our ancestors could not achieve.” He praised Africa’s strengthened justice systems, including Ghana’s, and hailed the AfCHPR’s two decades of courageous oversight under the Banjul Charter.
“In Arusha—where human rights are affirmed and African dignity protected—the time is now to keep our promises to future generations,” he concluded.
GHBUSS
2 March 2026
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