President Mahama to Depart for Tanzania on March 1 as Special Guest at African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights Opening Ceremony
President John Dramani Mahama will depart Accra on Sunday, March 1, 2026, for Arusha, Tanzania, where he has been invited as the Special Guest of Honour to officially open the 2026 judicial year of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights on Monday, March 2.
The ceremony will also mark the 20th anniversary of the Court’s establishment, making this the first time a sitting President of the Republic of Ghana has been invited to deliver an address at the African Union judicial organ.
Key Details of the Visit
Theme: “20 Years of Service in Protecting Human and Peoples’ Rights in Africa”
Main Event: Official opening of the 2026 judicial year and launch of the Court’s 20th anniversary commemorations
Bilateral Engagement: While in Arusha, President Mahama will hold talks with Tanzanian President Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan to strengthen bilateral ties and discuss areas of mutual interest, including regional peace, trade, and development cooperation.
President Mahama is expected to return to Ghana immediately after the opening programme on Monday. During his brief absence, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang will act as President in accordance with Article 60(8) of the 1992 Constitution.
Significance of the Invitation
The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, based in Arusha, serves as the continent’s principal judicial organ for the protection of human and peoples’ rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Ghana has been a strong supporter of the Court, having ratified the protocol establishing it and accepting its jurisdiction for direct individual and NGO petitions.
President Mahama’s invitation as Special Guest underscores Ghana’s standing in promoting human rights, rule of law, and judicial independence across Africa. His address is anticipated to reflect on two decades of the Court’s work, the challenges facing human rights protection on the continent, and the role of political leadership in upholding democratic values and accountability.
The visit also aligns with Ghana’s active diplomacy in recent months, including engagements with Ukraine, regional partners, and international institutions, as the administration seeks to elevate Ghana’s voice on global and continental platforms.
Further details on the President’s programme in Arusha, including the full text of his address, will be released by the Office of the President and Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the event. The nation wishes the President safe travels and fruitful engagements in Tanzania.
