By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
President John Dramani Mahama has urged African leaders to rethink their governance models and stop measuring progress solely against Western standards, warning that democratic backsliding is now visible in parts of the so-called Global North.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Judicial Year and 20th Anniversary of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Arusha, President Mahama said recent global developments show weakening judicial independence, executive overreach and restrictions on civil liberties.
He noted that for decades, African countries compared themselves to Western democracies as benchmarks of liberty, justice and rule of law. However, he said current global trends demonstrate that Africa must define its own paradigm for governance while preserving its dignity and cultural identity.
Quoting Julius Nyerere, who famously said, “One does not judge one’s state of health by comparing it to a sick person,” President Mahama said Africa must chart its own course rooted in strong, independent institutions.
He stressed that the African Court remains essential in ensuring accountability, protecting fundamental freedoms and strengthening public trust in governance systems across the continent.
The President said the moment presents Africa with an opportunity to build resilient judicial institutions capable of safeguarding rights amid shifting global political dynamics.
