The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has urged African nations to consolidate democracy as a vital measure to support the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Speaking at the 23rd session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute in The Hague, Dame stressed that a robust democratic framework safeguards citizens’ rights to free expression, security, and adherence to constitutional governance, thereby addressing conditions that could lead to atrocities under ICC jurisdiction. He underscored that these principles are essential in preventing scenarios that result in genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and impunity—key areas of focus for the ICC.
Dame emphasized that genuine democracy is instrumental in mitigating risks associated with such heinous acts. He noted the pressing need for African nations to build strong justice systems that are well-equipped to investigate and prosecute cases of a serious nature within the ICC’s scope. “The establishment of effective domestic legal frameworks is crucial,” he said, “as it reduces the reliance on international interventions, thereby fostering a culture of accountability and the promotion of human rights within our nations.” By empowering local institutions to handle serious crimes, countries can ensure that justice is served and that citizens feel protected under the law.
“Ghana holds the view that the best form of support for the ICC is by African nations consolidating democracy in their jurisdictions and avoiding conditions suggestive of impunity calling for the intervention of the ICC,” Dame stated, emphasizing the role that stable governance plays in enhancing international justice efforts. He elaborated on how the pure practice of democracy enables citizens to experience the full entitlements of citizenship, including free expression, security, and adherence to constitutionally stipulated governance terms without manipulation. This, he argued, eliminates the conditions that often attract ICC interest.
“When democracy reigns and is practiced in its true form, with citizens feeling a sense of fulfillment of their entitlements—free expression, security, and adherence to constitutionally stipulated terms for governments without an attempt to manipulate them—concerns about the commission of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and impunity, in general, will be non-existent. Conditions that attract the interest of the ICC will necessarily be eliminated,” he asserted. Such a transformation requires not just political will, but a comprehensive approach that includes civic education, the promotion of human rights, and the establishment of transparent and accountable governance structures.
Dame further noted that democracy obliges nations to establish sound systems of justice and facilities for investigating and trying cases of interest to the ICC. This aligns with the ICC’s declared objective, which promotes the principle of complementarity enshrined in the Rome Statute. He called for a concerted effort to enhance the capacity of national legal systems to address the root causes of conflict and injustice.
“Further, the pure practice of democracy in Africa enjoins the establishment of sound systems of justice and the creation of facilities for the investigation and trial of cases of interest to the ICC,” Dame emphasized. “This, without a doubt, is in line with the declared objective of the ICC as it fosters the principle of complementarity enshrined in the Rome Statute.” His remarks highlighted the interconnectedness between democracy and the ICC’s mission, urging African nations to prioritize internal mechanisms for justice and accountability.
By consolidating democracy, Dame argued, African countries could effectively eliminate conditions that necessitate external interventions, ultimately strengthening the global fight against impunity. The Attorney-General’s address served as a call to action for African leaders to embrace democratic principles not only as a means of governance but also as a strategy to support the ICC’s objectives. His emphasis on the role of justice systems reflects a broader vision for Africa’s future—one where domestic institutions are empowered to address human rights violations and uphold the rule of law.
The session at The Hague underscored the critical role of the ICC in promoting global justice, and Dame’s contribution highlighted Ghana’s commitment to aligning with these principles. His advocacy for democracy as a cornerstone of justice resonated with participants, reaffirming the importance of African nations taking proactive steps to address issues within their borders.
Dame’s vision for Africa emphasizes the necessity of nurturing a political environment where citizens can engage freely in democratic processes, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected. This vision aligns with the ICC’s principle of complementarity, which prioritizes domestic accountability mechanisms over international intervention.
As African nations continue to face challenges such as political instability, corruption, and widespread human rights abuses, Dame’s remarks provide a roadmap for how democratic consolidation can serve as a preventive tool against crimes of international concern. His call for robust governance and justice systems reiterates the importance of African nations taking ownership of their accountability frameworks while supporting the ICC’s broader mission.
Through fostering democracy, strengthening institutions, and promoting human rights, African nations can not only enhance their governance structures but also contribute significantly to the global efforts aimed at combating impunity and ensuring justice for victims of international crimes. The time has come for African leaders to commit to a future defined by justice, accountability, and the unwavering respect for the rule of law.
