Omanghana
President John Dramani Mahama, on March 2, 2026, officially opened the 2026 Judicial Year of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Arusha, Tanzania, becoming the first sitting Ghanaian president to formally address the continental court as Special Guest of Honour.
In his keynote address, President Mahama called for stronger judicial independence and deeper continental commitment to human rights protection. He urged member states of the African Union (AU) to increase political and financial support for the Court, declaring that “now is the time for Africa to step into its greatness” and position the AfCHPR as a global model for international judicial institutions.
The President also appealed to AU member states that have not yet ratified the Court’s Protocol to do so without delay. He further encouraged countries to file the necessary declarations allowing individuals and non-governmental organizations direct access to the Court, describing such access as critical to strengthening justice across the continent. Assuring governments that they have “nothing to fear” from the institution, he urged all nations to implement the Court’s judgments in good faith and respect its authority.
Emphasizing the importance of the rule of law, President Mahama stated that no society can thrive where justice is compromised. He described adherence to the rule of law as the foundation for peace, development, stability, and inclusive growth in Africa.
During his speech, the President shared a personal reflection on justice and human rights, recounting how his father was detained under successive military regimes in Ghana. He said those experiences shaped his lifelong commitment to due process and demonstrated how abuses of power can leave lasting scars on families and generations.
The ceremony also marked the official launch of the Court’s 20th anniversary celebrations under the theme “20 Years of Service in Protecting Human and Peoples’ Rights in Africa.” Following the opening session, the Court is scheduled to host the Fourth International Human Rights Forum from March 3 to 4, 2026, bringing together representatives from the African Court, the European Court of Human Rights, and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights to exchange experiences and strengthen global judicial cooperation.
While in Arusha, President Mahama held bilateral talks with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan ahead of the Court’s proceedings. He was accompanied by Legal Counsel Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew and Presidential Advisor Joyce Bawah Mogtari, underscoring the importance Ghana places on advancing justice and human rights across the continent.
Source: Omanghana
