By Ashiadey Dotse
President John Dramani Mahama has said the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights could have secured justice against apartheid criminals, colonialists and oppressive dictators if it had existed in earlier times.
Speaking at the opening of the Court’s 2026 Judicial Year in Arusha on Monday, 2 March 2026, President Mahama said many of Africa’s past human rights abuses could have been properly addressed if the continental court had been in place.
“If the court had existed earlier in our past, these grave instances of human rights abuses and injustice would have been important cases for you to adjudicate. It would have secured justice against racist apartheid criminals, colonialists and even our own oppressive African dictators,” he said.
The President shared a personal story about his late father to explain his strong belief in human rights and justice. He said his father, a private citizen and farmer, once wrote a letter to former Head of State, Ignatius Kutu Acheampong, advising him not to hold on to power for too long.
According to President Mahama, his father was later arrested and detained for several days on suspicion of subversion, although he was eventually released. He said the experience taught him at a young age how dangerous it can be to challenge those in power.
“I still carry within me the little boy who learned how dangerous it can be to question authority when leaders assume the role of judge, jury and executioner,” he noted.
President Mahama said the story shows that injustice does not affect only one person but entire families and communities. He stressed that Africa’s 55 nations are closely linked and must work together to protect the rights and dignity of their people.
He praised the Court for its courage over the past two decades, saying it has helped to guide the continent’s moral direction and ensure respect for the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The President also mentioned prominent African leaders who suffered injustice, including Patrice Lumumba, Thomas Sankara and Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned on Robben Island. He said their suffering represents the great loss Africa endured during periods of oppression.
President Mahama urged all African Union member states that have not yet ratified the Court’s protocol to do so without delay. He assured fellow Heads of State that they have nothing to fear from a court that upholds justice.
He further called on all African countries to respect and implement the Court’s judgments in good faith and to allow individuals and non-governmental organisations direct access to the Court.
President Mahama concluded by urging African leaders to measure the continent’s wealth not only by its natural resources, but by the dignity, freedom and potential of its people.
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Source:
www.gbcghanaonline.com
