By Ashiadey Dotse
President John Dramani Mahama has called on African leaders to respect and implement the judgments of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in good faith.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Judicial Year of the Court in Arusha, Tanzania on Monday March 2, 2026, President Mahama also urged member states to make the required declaration that will allow individuals and non-governmental organisations direct access to the Court.
“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.
The President said Africa’s 55 nations are closely linked and must work together to protect the rights and dignity of their people. According to him, injustice against one person affects families, communities and entire nations.
He noted that the African Court has, over the past two decades, shown courage and commitment in safeguarding human rights on the continent. He stressed that the Court must be empowered to continue standing guard over Africa’s shared values and ideals.
President Mahama also called on African Union member states that have not yet ratified the Court’s protocol to do so without delay. He assured his fellow Heads of State that they have nothing to fear from a judicial body that upholds justice, accountability and the rule of law.
He emphasized that Africa’s greatest inheritance is not its natural resources, but its people and their cultural heritage. He said protecting the dignity, liberty and rights of citizens will help secure the continent’s future, especially as Africa’s population continues to grow rapidly.
The President also urged leaders and citizens alike to support strong institutions that promote justice and human rights across the continent.
