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President John Dramani Mahama has urged African countries to allow individuals and civil society organisations to file complaints directly with the continent’s human rights court, stating that governments have nothing to fear from increased access to justice.
Mr Mahama delivered a keynote lecture at the start of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights’ judicial year, urging African Union member states that have not yet made the mandatory declaration to do so as soon as possible.
“I humbly ask all African nations and individuals to respect and implement the court’s judgments in good faith and to also make the declaration to allow individuals and non-governmental organisations direct access to this court,” he stated.
“To my colleagues, heads of state in these countries, I assure you that you have nothing to fear from this court,” Mr. Mahama said in response to worries expressed by certain governments.
He delivered the speech on Monday, March 2, 2026, in Arusha, where he was the honoured guest at the court’s 20th anniversary and the start of its 2026 judicial year.
The plan aims to close a loophole in the human rights framework of Africa, where people in several nations are unable to directly seek justice at the continental court without the consent of the state.
According to Mr. Mahama, member nations’ compliance with the court’s rulings is just as important to its efficacy as access.
Referring to the rights outlined in the African Charter, he stated, “We must empower the Court to be the institution that stands guard over those ideals.”
He connected his stance to broader worries about deteriorating safeguards around the world, pointing out that dependence on outside norms for democracy and the rule of law is becoming less reliable.
He stated, “For far too long, we compared ourselves to the West and used what we believe were their standards as our benchmarks,” noting that current events indicate those standards are “fast crumbling.”
According to Mr. Mahama, Africa has to fortify its own institutions, with the court serving as an oversight body for all 55 of the continent’s nations.
He also spoke from personal experience, saying that his father had been imprisoned multiple times while Ghana was under military dictatorship.
He explained how the event influenced his opinions on justice and due process, saying, “I remain the child whose father was detained for serving his country and advising its leader.”
According to Mr. Mahama, the need for an independent continental organization is highlighted by the fact that the impacts of injustice reach beyond individuals to families and communities.
He cited Justice Dennis Dominic Adjei, who is presently serving a six-year term, and Justice Sophia Akuffo, a past president of the court, as examples of Ghana’s contribution to the court.
Mr. Mahama called on African nations to bolster their support for the court as it celebrates 20 years of operation.
He stated, “Now is the time to deepen our commitment to the courts,” adding that the organization needs to develop into a preeminent global judicial body in the next years.
Source: newsthemegh.com
