President John Dramani Mahama has stated that although Africa is richly endowed with natural resources, its greatest inheritance remains its people and their cultural legacy.
Addressing the opening of the Court’s 2026 Judicial Year and the launch of its 20th anniversary in Arusha, Tanzania, the President said Africa’s vast deposits of gold, diamonds, oil, lithium, cobalt and other minerals have often overshadowed the true value of its human capital.
He stressed that throughout history, those who benefited from the continent’s resources understood the power and influence of its people, which he said explains the persecution and elimination of several African liberation figures.
President Mahama cited leaders such as Patrice Lumumba, Eduardo Mondlane, Thomas Sankara, and Amilcar Cabral, who were assassinated during struggles for independence and reform.
He also referenced the exile of Nana Prempeh I and Nana Yaa Asantewaa to the Seychelles, as well as the banishment of Omukama Kabalega of Uganda.
The President further mentioned Namibia’s founding leader Sam Nujoma, who was forced into exile, and South Africa’s anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned on Robben Island. He also cited the killing of anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko while in detention.
According to President Mahama, the loss and suffering of these figures deprived the continent of enormous potential and slowed its development.
“We felt the absence of these individuals and recognised the potential that was lost,” he said, urging African leaders to protect human rights and safeguard the dignity of their people.
He concluded that Africa’s future strength must be measured not only by its natural wealth but by how well it protects and empowers its citizens.
