Mahama Urges AU States to Ratify African Court Protocol Without Delay

President John Dramani Mahama has called on African Union (AU) member states that have yet to ratify the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights establishing the African Court to do so “without delay,” emphasizing that a robust and independent continental judiciary is indispensable to the protection of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law across Africa.

Delivering the keynote address at the official opening of the 2026 Judicial Year and the commemoration of the Court’s 20th Anniversary in Arusha, President Mahama underscored the urgency of fully empowering the African Court to execute its mandate free from fear, favour, or political interference.

“I call upon African Union member states who have not yet ratified the Protocol to please do so without delay,” he urged. “To my colleagues in those countries, I assure you that you have nothing to fear from this Court.”

He further appealed to countries that have already ratified the Protocol to demonstrate genuine commitment by respecting and faithfully implementing the Court’s judgments. He also encouraged them to make the requisite declaration permitting individuals and non-governmental organisations direct access to the Court.

“I humbly ask all African nations and individuals to respect and implement the Court’s judgments in good faith, and to also make the declaration to allow individuals and NGOs direct access to the Court,” he added.

Reinforcing Continental Justice

President Mahama described the African Court as an institution “that serves all but is beholden to none,” stressing that its independence is fundamental to safeguarding the rights and dignity of African citizens beyond their national jurisdictions.

Reflecting on the Court’s two decades of operation, he commended its judges for their “fortitude and courage” in upholding the principles enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, popularly known as the Banjul Charter.

“We need that kind of oversight so that we remain observant and respectful of the rights and duties enumerated in the Charter,” he noted.

According to him, strengthening the Court transcends mere legal obligation; it is a moral imperative for a continent whose history has been marred by colonial subjugation, unconstitutional changes of government, political detentions, and systemic human rights violations.

Personal Reflections on Justice

Anchoring his remarks in personal experience, President Mahama recounted the detention of his father in the aftermath of Ghana’s 1966 coup and the subsequent political upheavals — events that, he said, profoundly shaped his lifelong commitment to justice and due process.

“I remain the child whose father was detained for serving his country and advising its leader,” he told an audience comprising Heads of State, members of the judiciary, diplomats, and civil society representatives.

He observed that injustice against one individual reverberates far beyond the immediate victim, affecting families, communities, and generations, thereby underscoring the necessity of strong and impartial judicial institutions at both national and continental levels.

Charting the Future

With Africa’s population projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050 and to account for nearly 40 per cent of the global population by the end of the century, President Mahama stressed that the protection of human rights and the consolidation of judicial institutions are critical to unlocking the continent’s immense potential.

“Africa must measure its wealth not only by its natural resources, but by its people,” he declared, urging leaders to establish governance systems that guarantee life, dignity, liberty, and self-determination.

He expressed optimism that by the time the African Court marks its 40th anniversary, it would emerge as “the leading international judicial body and a model for others.”