By Hannah Dadzie
President John Mahama has called on African leaders to institutionalise democracy in ways that reflect the lived experiences and expectations of their people.
Speaking at the opening of the African Union’s 13th High-Level Dialogue on Democracy, Governance, and Human Rights in Accra, President Mahama said democratic institutions must engage citizens in languages they understand and trust, using national dialogues and community-based platforms.
The two-day summit brings together policymakers, civil society actors, human rights advocates, governance experts, and development partners from across Africa. It aims to explore emerging trends and shape the future of democracy and human rights on the continent under the theme: “Justice, Rights, Reparations, and State Building.”
President Mahama described the forum as a crucial platform for addressing the lingering effects of slavery, colonialism, and an unjust global order that continues to hamper Africa’s development. Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to reparative justice and democratic consolidation, he urged AU member states to act collectively to achieve shared goals.
“We must now move swiftly to personalise these instruments. We must empower these bodies with the resources, visibility, and mandate to lead us on this noble journey of truth, justice, and restitution. Let this not be another declaration left on paper; let it be a living mandate for action,” he stated.
President Mahama emphasised that Africa needs a democracy that is not only institutional but deeply rooted in fairness, inclusivity, and the aspirations of its citizens.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, added that the theme of the dialogue directly speaks to Africa’s collective journey toward sustainable development and lasting peace. He encouraged participants to move beyond words and take concrete action to make reparations a reality.
Mr Ablakwa also commended the African Governance Architecture and the AU Commission’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security for organising the event. He extended appreciation to civil society, development partners, and staff of the Ministry for supporting the dialogue.
“We hope this conference becomes more than a platform for discussion. Let it foster innovation, amplify diverse voices, and reinforce our collective resolve to build a continent where rights are protected, justice is real, and opportunity is shared by the many, not the few,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the AU Commission Chairperson, the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Bankole Adeoye, reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to peace and democratic governance. He noted that although Africa faces major challenges, they are not insurmountable.
“This high-level dialogue is crucial to reflect on strategies to address governance deficits and the impact of state-building. Reparations are not isolated from justice and collective rights; they are foundational to reconciliation, democratic renewal, economic advancement, and sustainable peace,” Mr Adeoye said.
The forum features former heads of state, former prime ministers and vice presidents, AU officials, ministers, African heads of mission, and other key stakeholders, all focused on shaping Africa’s democratic development and addressing historical injustices.
