At the opening of the 23rd Annual Conference of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Ghana’s Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, called on African nations to strengthen their domestic legal systems as a mark of sovereignty and to prevent the need for ICC intervention.
Leading Ghana’s delegation, which included Ambassador to the Netherlands Francis Danti Kotia and Deputy Head of Mission Yaowi Senalor, Mr. Dame emphasized the importance of democracy and robust judicial systems in addressing crimes that fall under the ICC’s jurisdiction, such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
“Consolidating democracy and establishing sound justice systems in Africa will eliminate conditions that necessitate ICC intervention. True democracy, free expression, and adherence to constitutional principles ensure impunity becomes a thing of the past,” Mr. Dame stated.
He further urged African countries to domesticate the Rome Statute into their national laws or enact specific legislation that aligns with international standards for prosecuting crimes under the ICC’s purview.
Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of the Rome Statute, praising the ICC’s work in delivering justice to victims and deterring atrocities. The Attorney General highlighted the Court’s progress, including investigations outside Africa, as a step toward dispelling perceptions of bias against the continent.
Mr. Dame also expressed Ghana’s support for the ICC’s independence in the face of recent cyber and political threats. He applauded ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane for her firm stance on upholding the Court’s mandate with integrity and impartiality.
Addressing issues of governance and representation, the Attorney General called for fairness in ICC staff recruitment to ensure geographical and gender balance. He acknowledged the ICC’s collaboration with Ghana’s Africa Centre of International Criminal Justice (ACICJ) at GIMPA Law School, noting its role in advancing international criminal law through research, capacity-building, and advocacy.
The Attorney General concluded by thanking the Netherlands for its continued support in hosting the ICC and called on all States Parties to uphold the Court’s mission.
Ghana’s participation at the conference underscores its dedication to fostering international justice and strengthening Africa’s capacity to address international crimes domestically.
