President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned African nations against measuring their democratic progress solely against Western benchmarks, arguing that parts of the so-called Global North are themselves experiencing visible signs of democratic decline.
Speaking in Arusha during events marking the anniversary of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, President Mahama pointed to trends such as executive overreach, weakening legislative independence, rising polarization, and increasing restrictions on civil liberties in regions traditionally viewed as long-standing champions of democracy.
He stressed that Africa must avoid uncritical comparisons and instead build systems that reflect its unique history, culture, and aspirations.
Quoting former Tanzanian leader Julius Nyerere, who once said, “One does not judge one’s state of health by comparing it to a sick person,” President Mahama urged African countries to develop their own democratic paradigm, one firmly rooted in dignity, sovereignty, accountability, and cultural identity.
According to him, genuine democratic growth on the continent must be anchored in strong, independent institutions capable of protecting citizens from abuse of power.
He emphasized that bodies such as the African Court play a critical role in safeguarding human rights and ensuring that leadership remains subject to the rule of law.
President Mahama concluded by calling for renewed African self-confidence, insisting that the continent must preserve its core values while deepening institutional reforms that secure justice, stability, and long-term democratic resilience.
LISTEN TO PRESIDENT MAHAMA IN THE AUDIO BELOW:
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 🇬🇭