President John Dramani Mahama has warned African leaders that democracy cannot flourish in an atmosphere of fear and repression.

Delivering his address at the 13th High-Level Dialogue on Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance in Africa on Tuesday, July 29, at the Accra International Conference Centre,  held under the theme “Justice, Right, Reparation, and State Building”, the President called on all participants to prioritize implementation over inspiration through the enforcement of systems that guarantee democratic freedoms.

“I urge this dialogue to take a firm stand on the need for legally binding frameworks across all member states to safeguard our civic space. We must protect the freedom of the press. The voices of the youth, women, and marginalised groups must be heard and protected.”

“Democracy cannot thrive in the presence of fear and repression. The legitimacy of our governments depends on the inclusion of all our people. Government must exist for all our people, not just a privileged few,” he stated.

The event assembled political leaders, governance institutions, and civil society organisations to discuss structural solutions to the continent’s democratic and human rights challenges.

North Tongu Member of Parliament and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa also expressed hope that the conference would inspire meaningful change and foster inclusive progress across the continent saying,

“We aspire for this conference to go beyond conventional dialogue . May it provide a distinguished platform for the exchange of innovative ideas, facilitate open and sincere discussions and cultivate a collective commitment to nurturing an African continent where rights are respected, voices are held, justice is upheld, the democratic dividend is consciously harnessed and opportunities are created for the many and not the few.”

Earlier this year, the President was in Nairobi, Kenya, with other African leaders at a High-Level Retreat on African Union (AU) Institutional Reforms.

The retreat, hosted by Kenya’s President and African Union Champion, William Ruto, ran from January 27 to 28. It was focused on evaluating the progress of AU reforms and exploring strategies for the organization’s sustainable growth and impact.

Discussions centred on Sustainable Financing, a comprehensive review of the AU’s structure, and improving its operational framework to address Africa’s emerging priorities effectively.

President Mahama brought his extensive leadership experience, contributed valuable perspectives during the discussions.

Meanwhile, the just-ended dialogue was designed to foster inclusive engagement around key themes of reparative justice, democratic governance, and institutional accountability.

Among its goals are the amplification of youth and women’s agency, a deeper appreciation of transitional justice frameworks within the AU, and the formulation of actionable policy strategies.

It also seeks to shape a shared Pan-African vision anchored in healing, transformation, and Africa’s collective historical journey.

BACKGROUND:

Africa’s journey toward unity, peace, and prosperity continues to be shaped by the resilience of its people and their unwavering demand for justice, dignity, and inclusion.

This year’s theme was generated to recognize historical injustices that have shaped the continent, from colonialism and enslavement to systemic exclusion.

This theme reaffirms the AU’s commitment to truth-telling, healing, and rebuilding African societies on foundations of accountability, equity, and people-centred governance.

The African Governance Architecture and African Peace and Security Architecture (AGA-APSA) Platform together with the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department (PAPS), will convene the 13th High-Level Dialogue (HLD), co-hosted by the Government of the Republic of Ghana.

This 13th edition of the Dialogue served as a strategic and inclusive platform for reflection, consensus-building, and collective action. It aimed to explore how reparative justice processes can strengthen democratic institutions, reimagine governance systems, and promote lasting peace rooted in African values and historical contexts.

H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, officially opened the High-Level Dialogue (HLD), after which a Leaders’ Panel Session featuring former Heads of State and Government took place, focusing on democracy, justice, reparations, and state-building.

In addition, the Dialogue launched two key reports known as The African Governance Report (AGR-2025), developed by the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and The State of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Africa Report, developed by the Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC).

Both reports are flagship initiatives of the AGA-APSA Platform and were developed collectively by AU Organs, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the AUC, and Regional Mechanisms that are part of the AGA-APSA Platform.

A thematic publication comprising various articles by contributors, primarily young Africans from across the continent will also be featured. The publication reflects diverse perspectives on the AU’s theme of the year.