President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday,July 29,urged African leaders to adopt legally binding measures to protect press freedom and guarantee civic rights, warning that democratic governance across the continent remains fragile in the face of repression and exclusion.

Speaking at the 13th High-Level Dialogue on Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance in Africa, Mr. Mahama called for substantive reforms to secure civil liberties—particularly for youth, women, and marginalized communities—and to fortify inclusive state institutions.

“Democracy cannot thrive in the presence of fear and repression,” Mr. Mahama told a gathering of political leaders, civil society groups, and representatives of regional governance bodies. “The legitimacy of our governments depends on the inclusion of all our people—not just a privileged few.”

The annual forum, convened under the theme “Justice, Right, Reparation, and State Building,” focused on developing structural solutions to the region’s persistent democratic and human rights challenges. It comes at a time when many African nations are facing growing concerns over authoritarian drift, restricted civic space, and press crackdowns.

Mahama’s remarks carried a pointed urgency, as he criticized what he described as a gap between rhetoric and action among African governments. He called for the institutionalization of civic protections through enforceable legal frameworks, arguing that rights to organize, protest, and participate in governance must be considered foundational to democratic life.

“We must protect the freedom of the press,” he said. “The voices of the youth, women, and marginalized groups must be heard and protected.”

Mr. Mahama, who served as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2017, has remained an outspoken advocate for democratic norms on the continent. His comments on Tuesday reflect mounting international pressure on African leaders to reverse democratic backsliding and reinforce the rule of law.

The High-Level Dialogue was attended by key regional stakeholders, including representatives from the African Union, governance watchdogs, and human rights institutions, as part of a broader push to anchor democracy and accountability in post-conflict and transitioning states.