President John Dramani Mahama has called for stronger continental institutions to defend human rights, urging African nations to deepen their support for the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

He made the remarks on Monday, March 2, 2026, while delivering an address at the opening of the 2026 judicial year of the African Court.

The event brought together jurists, diplomats and legal scholars from across the continent.

Reflecting on Africa’s shared past, President Mahama spoke about the solidarity that defined the struggle for independence and the political instability that later followed.

“Look at the synergy that existed between us during Africa’s era of liberation. One nation after another in quick succession declared freedom from colonial rule. Then again, when coup d’état became fashionable, that tendency spread like a contagion through nearly every nation,” he said.

Mahama becomes first sitting Ghanaian president to address AU Human Rights Court

He stressed that African countries have a collective responsibility toward one another and must strengthen institutions that serve the continent impartially.

Mahama described the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights as a vital pillar in protecting justice, rights and democratic values.

“Let us now consider the institution that safeguards our values and rights. Over the past two decades of its operation, the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights has proven time and again that it has the fortitude and courage to recalibrate our moral compass,” he stated.

Mahama also noted the importance of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, noting that all African countries are signatories and share a duty to uphold its principles.

“That charter complements this court’s mission. Now we must empower the court to be the institution that stands guard over those ideals, protecting and preserving our greatest inheritance,” he added.

He further highlighted Ghana’s longstanding contribution to the Court, pointing out that the country has over the years provided distinguished legal professionals to support its mandate and strengthen its work across the continent.

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