Now is the time for Africa to step into its greatness — Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has declared that Africa stands at a defining moment in its history, urging leaders across the continent to strengthen democratic institutions, protect human rights and fully empower the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Delivering the keynote address at the official opening of the 2026 Judicial Year and the 20th Anniversary of the African Court in Arusha, the Ghanaian leader said the continent must seize its historic opportunity to shape its own future.

“Now is the time for Africa to step into its greatness,” President Mahama declared to a gathering of Heads of State, Chief Justices, diplomats and representatives of civil society.

A Call to Deepen Commitment to Justice

President Mahama emphasised that the African Court plays a vital role in safeguarding the rights and dignity of African citizens beyond national borders. He called on African Union member states that have not yet ratified the Protocol establishing the Court to do so without delay.

“To my colleagues in those countries, I assure you that you have nothing to fear from this Court,” he said. “I humbly ask all African nations and individuals to respect and implement the Court’s judgements in good faith.”

According to him, strengthening continental judicial mechanisms is essential if Africa is to preserve its sovereignty and uphold the ideals enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

“We need an institution that serves all but is beholden to none,” he noted.

Africa’s Demographic Moment

President Mahama pointed to Africa’s rapidly growing population as both an opportunity and a responsibility. By 2050, he said, Africa’s population will reach 2.5 billion, accounting for more than a quarter of the world’s population.

“Already, the median age on the African continent is 19,” he said. “Can we imagine the power that we hold in our hands?”

He stressed that this demographic advantage would only translate into prosperity if African governments invest in their people and protect their fundamental rights.

Redefining Africa’s Path

The President also urged the continent to rethink long-standing assumptions about governance and development, warning against uncritical comparisons with other regions.

Quoting Tanzania’s founding leader Julius Nyerere, he said, “One does not judge one’s state of health by comparing it to a sick person.”

“For far too long, we have compared ourselves to the West and used what we believed were their standards as benchmarks,” Mahama stated, adding that Africa must define its own paradigm while preserving its dignity and cultural identity.

Looking to the Future

As the African Court marks two decades of operation, President Mahama expressed confidence that the institution would continue to grow in authority and relevance.

“Now is the time to deepen our commitment to the Court, so that in 20 years, when we celebrate its 40th anniversary, it will stand as the leading international judicial body and a model for others,” he said.

He officially declared the 2026 Judicial Year open, describing Arusha as “a city well known as the site where human rights are affirmed and the dignity of African people is protected.”