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.