President John Dramani Mahama delivered a landmark keynote address on March 2, 2026, at the Official Opening of the 2026 Judicial Year and the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Arusha, Tanzania. The historic event brought together prominent African leaders, judges, legal scholars, and human rights advocates from across the continent.
In his address, President Mahama underscored the critical role of the judiciary in safeguarding human rights, promoting the rule of law, and consolidating democracy in Africa. He highlighted the African Court’s pivotal contributions over the past two decades in protecting human and peoples’ rights and fostering justice across member states.
“Two decades of consistent dedication by the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights demonstrate the continent’s unwavering commitment to upholding justice and human dignity. The judiciary must remain independent, impartial, and proactive in defending the rights of citizens,” President Mahama emphasized.
The President also called on African nations to strengthen legal frameworks, invest in judicial capacity building, and enhance regional cooperation to ensure that justice is accessible, timely, and equitable for all citizens. He stressed that the African Court should continue to serve as a beacon of hope for victims of human rights violations while promoting legal harmonization across the continent.
During the ceremony, the President commended the African Union and the Court’s leadership for their steadfast efforts in promoting human rights standards in Africa. He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to collaborating with regional and continental judicial institutions to foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights.
The event featured the presence of judges from the African Court, representatives from the African Union, high-ranking government officials, and civil society leaders, who lauded the Court’s 20-year journey in advancing justice, protecting human dignity, and reinforcing democratic governance.
President Mahama’s keynote address was widely regarded as a clarion call for continued vigilance, collaboration, and reform in Africa’s legal systems, reinforcing the continent’s commitment to the principles of justice, human rights, and the rule of law.
