President Mahama warns executive overreach is eroding judicial independence and democratic governance

John Dramani Mahama has cautioned that judicial independence and democratic institutions across the world are increasingly under threat due to expanding executive interference and growing restrictions on civil liberties.

Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Judicial Year and the 20th anniversary of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Arusha, he noted that institutions once regarded as pillars of democracy, justice, and the rule of law are experiencing a troubling decline.

The President observed that recent global developments point to rising executive overreach and diminishing legislative authority, trends that undermine democratic governance systems.

He warned that judiciaries are increasingly losing their independence, while executive influence continues to expand and legislative autonomy weakens.

Mahama also highlighted growing restrictions on freedoms of speech, assembly, and protest, saying these limitations are contributing to an erosion of public confidence in governments.

He further pointed out that technological advancement has made global crises more interconnected, citing the rapid spread of COVID-19 as an example of how events in one region can quickly impact the rest of the world.

The President urged African countries not to measure their democratic progress solely against Western benchmarks, stressing that current global trends should serve as a wake-up call for nations to strengthen and safeguard their own institutions.

He concluded that the present reality demands urgent action to protect democratic governance and public trust.