By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada | May 13, 2026
Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Second Vice President of the Pan-African Parliament, has called for stronger protection of human rights, improved digital governance, and deeper democratic reforms across Africa during the opening ceremony of the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul, The Gambia.
The high-level continental gathering, which began on May 11, 2026, brings together African Union institutions, legal experts, diplomats, civil society organizations, and human rights stakeholders to discuss governance, justice, democracy, and human rights challenges across the continent.
Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings addressed delegates on behalf of the President of the Pan-African Parliament, emphasizing the urgent need for African countries to modernize legal frameworks in response to emerging digital and governance threats.
According to reports, she urged African Union member states to ratify the Malabo Convention on cybersecurity and personal data protection in order to strengthen the continent’s collective response to cybercrime, data breaches, and digital insecurity.
The Malabo Convention, adopted by the African Union in 2014 and enforced in 2023, serves as Africa’s continental legal framework for cybersecurity, electronic commerce, and data protection.
Speaking during the session, Dr. Zanetor stressed that rapid technological advancement across Africa must be matched with stronger legal protections for citizens in the digital era.
She noted that digital rights should increasingly be treated as human rights as African societies become more dependent on technology, artificial intelligence, and online systems.
The Ghanaian legislator also highlighted the importance of democratic governance, peacebuilding, and institutional reforms, arguing that sustainable peace on the continent cannot rely solely on military interventions.
According to her, stronger institutions, citizen participation, and accountable governance systems remain essential for long-term political stability and development in Africa.
Dr. Zanetor further emphasized the critical role women continue to play in peacebuilding, mediation, and conflict prevention across African societies, calling for stronger support and inclusion of women in governance and decision-making structures.
The 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights is being held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Banjul and is expected to continue until May 20, 2026.
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights serves as one of the African Union’s key institutions responsible for promoting and protecting human rights across member states under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The session is expected to address a wide range of continental issues, including governance reforms, digital security, freedom of expression, conflict prevention, women’s rights, and institutional cooperation among African states.
Observers say Ghana’s representation at the session highlights the country’s continued involvement in continental discussions surrounding democracy, governance, and human rights protection within the African Union system.
