President John Dramani Mahama has called on African leaders to rethink the continent’s definition of wealth, declaring that Africa’s greatest resource is its people rather than its vast mineral deposits.

Speaking at the anniversary ceremony of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Arusha, President Mahama acknowledged Africa’s abundance of natural resources, including gold, oil and lithium.

However, he stressed that genuine prosperity should not be measured by what lies beneath the soil, but by the dignity, freedom and potential of the continent’s citizens.

According to the President, Africa’s development must be firmly anchored in the protection of fundamental human rights — including the rights to life, liberty, dignity and self-determination.

He urged governments across the continent to assess their success not by the volume of resources extracted, but by the well-being, empowerment and freedoms enjoyed by their people.

President Mahama’s remarks come amid ongoing continental conversations about governance, accountability and sustainable development, with increasing emphasis on strengthening institutions and upholding human rights as foundations for long-term growth.