President John Dramani Mahama has called on African Union member states that have yet to ratify the Protocol establishing the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights to do so “without delay,” emphasising the importance of upholding human rights across the continent.

He made the remarks on Monday, March 2, at the opening of the 2026 judicial year of the Court in Arusha.

President Mahama reassured countries hesitant about the Court’s jurisdiction, stating that they “have nothing to fear” from the institution.

He further urged all African nations and individuals to respect and implement the Court’s judgements in good faith and to make the declaration allowing individuals and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) direct access to the Court.

Drawing on personal experience, President Mahama recounted the political tribulations faced by his father, who was detained after advising the Head of State and later lived in exile for 13 years following another coup d’état.

He emphasised that while his father endured significant hardship, countless others across Africa have suffered even greater injustice and abuse of their rights and dignity.

“Many individuals have endured significant hardship throughout their lives. The Lumumbas, Mondlanes, Sankaras, Cabrals, Prempehs, Yaa Asantewas, Kabalegas, Nujomas, Mandelas, and Bikos are all recognised as martyrs of the African revolution,” he said, highlighting the enduring struggle for justice and human rights on the continent.

President Mahama noted that the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights could have played a pivotal role in adjudicating many of these historic cases, had it existed earlier.

“Had the African Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights existed earlier in our past, these grave instances of human rights abuse and injustice would have been very important cases to adjudicate,” he remarked.

By encouraging ratification of the Court’s Protocol and the declaration allowing individual and NGO access, President Mahama stressed that Africa can prevent the recurrence of past injustices and uphold the dignity of its citizens.