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Prez Mahama opens AU high-level dialogue on democracy and human rights in Accra
President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency (H E) John Dramani Mahama, has officially opened the 13th African Union (AU) High-Level Dialogue on Democracy, Governance, and Human Rights in Accra.
The two day event, slated for 29th to 30th July 2025 and held under the vibrant theme “Justice, Rights, Reparations and State building,” brings together past and present African leaders, traditional authorities, members of the security services, diplomats, students, civil society actors, and other stakeholders to dialogue on strengthening democratic governance and addressing historical injustices across the continent.
The high-level conference is organised every two years by the African Union Commission in collaboration with key partners, serving as a platform for inclusive dialogue, knowledge exchange, and policy reflection on the continent’s democratic and governance trajectory.
In his opening remarks, the President of Ghana, H E John Dramani Mahama, underscored the importance of justice, human rights, and inclusive governance as the foundation for peace and stability in Africa.
He noted that sustainable peace could only be achieved when the rights of citizens were protected, and governance structures were accountable and owned by the people.
President Mahama said Africa could no longer build its future on systems inherited from colonial rule.
He highlighted how the continent still suffers from the legacies of slavery, colonialism, systemic racism, and economic inequality.
He stressed the need for Africans to shape their own systems that reflect their history, identity, and aspirations.
He praised the African Union Executive Council for extending the AU’s theme of reparations from a year to a decade, 2026 to 2036, and called on member states to support this commitment with action.
He also urged the timely operationalisation of the AU Commission of Experts and the Reference Group of Legal Experts on Reparations, so they can deliver truth, justice, and restitution.
The President warned that African citizens, especially the youth, were becoming impatient with empty promises and called for meaningful civic participation.
He advocated for legal frameworks in all AU member states to protect civil liberties, including freedom of speech, protest, and the press.
President Mahama further highlighted the importance of political and civic education in schools and communities.
According to him, civic disengagement was often caused by mistrust and exclusion, and therefore governments must make democracy relatable and relevant to everyday life.
He encouraged participants to take bold action beyond speeches, adding that the “dialogue must mark a new beginning for the continent, a moment when African leaders choose justice, truth, and unity over complacency.”
African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), H E Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, who delivered a speech on behalf of the AU Chairperson, said reparative justice, peace, and stability should guide Africa’s development journey.
He emphasised that reparations are deeply connected to justice and human rights, offering opportunities for economic renewal, healing, and sustainable peace.
He noted that the High Level Dialogue is essential for helping member states reflect on how to strengthen democratic systems.
Ambassador Adeoye reminded participants that Africa has endured centuries of oppression from slavery to apartheid and now needs to take full ownership of its future.
He said the legacy of colonialism should no longer weigh down the continent, and African culture and identity should be protected and celebrated.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, expressed warm appreciation to the delegates gathered in Accra for the important continental dialogue.
Mr Ablakwa stated that for Ghana, justice, human rights, and good governance are not mere slogans but part of the country’s identity and values.
He noted that the chosen theme aligns with Ghana’s commitment to correcting historical injustices and promoting inclusion.
He urged African nations to move beyond symbolic gestures and take real action toward restorative justice.
Mr Ablakwa added that Ghana believes in fairness, unity, and building a continent where all voices are heard, especially those of youth, women, and the diaspora.
The Minister praised the efforts of the African Governance Architecture and the AU’s Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department for convening the dialogue.
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Gov’t to build new public technical university in Western Region – Pres. Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has announced that his government will build a new public technical university in the Western Region to expand access to technical and vocational education for young people.
In a speech at the Jubilee House during a courtesy call by the Paramount Chief of the Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, and other members of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, President Mahama said the new university forms part of a broader plan to prepare the region’s youth for emerging job opportunities in mining, oil and gas, agribusiness, and digital industries.
He explained that the technical university will be designed to meet the practical needs of industries in the region and across the country.
According to him, this move is crucial to Ghana’s long-term development goals, especially as the Western Region continues to contribute significantly to the national economy through natural resources.
“The Western Region holds immense potential to lead Ghana into a new era of industrialization and job creation. But we must equip our young people with the right skills. That is why we are building a new public technical university here” the President intimated.
He added that this new institution will work alongside other youth-focused programs, including a region-wide employment initiative focused on agri-tech, tourism, green jobs, and digital entrepreneurship.
President Mahama revealed plans to upgrade the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital into a modern teaching hospital that will serve as a referral center for the Western and Western North regions.
This, he said, would improve healthcare delivery and provide training grounds for medical students.
He assured the chiefs that these initiatives would help bridge development gaps and ensure that the youth in the region have better access to education, training, and jobs.
The President urged the chiefs to support these efforts by promoting peace, unity, and development in their communities.
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Oil-producing communities in Western Region to benefit from sea defense and social projects – Prez Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has assured that coastal communities in the Western Region affected by oil and gas activities will see direct improvements in infrastructure, sea defense, and social services under his next development agenda.
The president made it clear that the discovery of petroleum in the region must be a blessing and not a burden.
He stated that towns like Essiama and Anochie, located in the oil-producing enclaves, would benefit from better roads, bridges, schools, health facilities, and agribusiness support as part of the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
He explained that the government is expanding sea defense projects along the coast to protect fishing communities from tidal wave erosion.
These efforts, he noted are also aimed at preserving marine livelihoods and supporting the coastal economy.
President Mahama revealed that the government will establish a dedicated oil and gas services hub at the Takoradi Port through a public-private partnership.
He said the expansion of the port would include new container terminals and dry bulk facilities to boost exports and reduce delays for vessels.
He added that the (Local Content and Local Participation) Regulations, 2013 (L.I. 2204) would be strengthened to ensure young people in the Western Region gain access to petroleum jobs, contracts, and technical training.
The president also announced that the Ministry of Energy had been directed to renegotiate land arrangements with landowners around the planned petroleum hub.
He said the government will release unused portions of land back to communities and pay compensation for land that will be used, starting with 5,000 hectares instead of the initially acquired 20,000 hectares.
He stressed that oil wealth must translate into better living conditions for the people whose lands and livelihoods are affected by exploration and production activities.
Jacob Aggrey
