Former President of Ghana, John Mahama, has called for the creation of a Pan-African legal framework that aligns with the continent’s values and realities, emphasizing its role in addressing Africa’s myriad challenges. Speaking at the Nigeria Bar Association Annual General Conference in Lagos, Mahama stressed the need for legal education and practices that cater to the demands of an integrated African market, including expertise in international trade law and cross-border disputes.
Mahama’s address, titled “The Future of Africa Amid Rising Security, Economic and Political Challenges,” highlighted the crucial role of lawyers in shaping legal frameworks that support economic diversification and resilience. He also underscored the importance of the free movement of people and goods across African borders, advocating for the harmonization of immigration laws and mutual recognition of qualifications and judgments among member states.
Reflecting on recent political upheavals in Africa, particularly in the Sahel region, Mahama pointed out that these events expose deep-rooted issues of injustice and marginalization, calling for a reevaluation of current diplomatic strategies. He urged legal professionals to address the structural challenges undermining African economies, exacerbated by the continent’s heavy reliance on commodity exports and imports.
In his remarks at the event, Senate President Godswill Akpabio echoed Mahama’s sentiments, urging Nigerians to adopt a new mindset to rebuild the nation. Akpabio challenged legal practitioners to embrace change and actively contribute to positive developments across Africa, emphasizing the profession’s potential as a formidable force for progress.
