Ghanaian president urges inclusive governance, civil liberties protection across Africa

ACCRA, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday called on African leaders to build a strong foundation for inclusive governance and the protection of the civil liberties of their citizens.

Mahama said at the opening of the 13th African Union High-Level Dialogue on Democracy, Governance and Human Rights held in the Ghanaian capital of Accra that inclusive governance and the protection of civil liberties are essential building blocks for legitimate and resilient states.

Commenting on the theme of the dialogue, "Justice, Right, Reparation and State Building," Mahama said this dialogue "should not become another ceremonial event filled with lofty speeches but void of action."

"We must protect the freedom of the press and heed and protect the voices of the youth, women, and marginalized groups," he said.

Mahama also urged African leaders to back their democratic and governance commitments with concrete action, warning that citizens, especially the youth, are growing weary of unfulfilled promises.

Young people constitute the majority of the population, and they are growing increasingly impatient, Mahama said, adding that they do not ask for charity but fairness, opportunity, and a stake in the continent's future.

Mahama emphasized the need for transformative leadership and inclusive development across the continent to rebuild the confidence of the youth and marginalized groups. Enditem