Ghana’s Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has emphasized the need for continued efforts to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of the International Criminal Court (ICC), particularly in the context of new challenges facing the global justice system.
Speaking at the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute in New York and Syracuse, Dame highlighted the importance of increasing the visibility of the Court and encouraging greater participation, urging non-States Parties to join the Rome Statute.
The celebration underscored Ghana’s commitment to universal ratification of the Rome Statute, calling on countries that have not yet joined to accede to it in order to advance international justice.
“The onset of new challenges demands that States Parties and relevant stakeholders invest significant efforts to enhance the effectiveness of the Court,” said the Attorney General.
Addressing the Court’s relationship with African States, Dame reiterated Ghana’s stance on advocating for dialogue and engagement to address the challenges facing the ICC, particularly in strengthening ties with African nations.
He praised the Court’s activities in the Central African Republic and noted former President Hofmanski’s visit to Bangui, where he met with community leaders and victims benefiting from the Trust Fund for Victims of Crimes under the Rome Statute.
Ghana called for more such complementarity initiatives, highlighting the importance of effective partnerships between the ICC and local authorities to enhance national jurisdictions’ ability to handle serious international crimes.
“When democracy is practiced in its true form, with citizens experiencing the fulfillment of their entitlements free expression, security, and adherence to constitutional terms concerns about genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and impunity will be eliminated,” he explained.
