President John Dramani Mahama has stressed the urgent need to strengthen human rights institutions across the continent, warning that Africa’s rapidly expanding youthful population presents both a historic opportunity and a profound responsibility.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Judicial Year of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, President Mahama highlighted projections that by 2050, Africa’s population will rise to approximately 2.5 billion people accounting for more than a quarter of the world’s population.
With a median age of just 19, he described the continent as the youngest and potentially most dynamic region globally.
According to him, this demographic strength could become Africa’s greatest asset but only if it is anchored in justice, opportunity, and strong institutions.
He emphasized that the protection of fundamental rights life, dignity, liberty, and self-determination is essential to unlocking the continent’s full potential.
President Mahama cautioned that injustice, oppression, corruption, and weak governance structures could easily squander Africa’s demographic dividend, turning promise into instability.
“A young population without hope, protection, and opportunity,” he noted, “is not a dividend but a risk.”
Declaring the 2026 Judicial Year officially open, he called on African leaders, jurists, and policymakers to safeguard the rights of citizens and build resilient institutions capable of delivering fairness and accountability.
He concluded by urging the continent to honor its commitments to future generations, insisting that Africa must rise to its moment, keep its promises, and step confidently into its greatness.
LISTEN TO PRESIDENT MAHAMA IN THE AUDIO BELOW:
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 🇬🇭