President John Dramani Mahama will travel to Arusha, Tanzania, on Sunday to serve as Special Guest of Honour at the opening of the 2026 judicial year of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The Presidency announced this in a statement signed by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government CommunicationsFelix Kwakye Ofosu, on Saturday.
The ceremony, scheduled for Monday, March 2, 2026, will also launch the 20th anniversary celebrations of the court.
This will be the first invitation for a sitting President of the Republic of Ghana to address the African Union Court.
The theme for the opening of the judicial year is “20 Years of Service in Protecting Human and Peoples’ Rights in Africa.”
During his visit to Arusha, President Mahama will hold bilateral talks with Tanzanian President, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The President will depart Arusha after the opening programme on Monday and return to Ghana.
According to the statement, Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang will act as President during his absence, in accordance with the provisions of Article 60(8) of the 1992 Constitution.
The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights was established to complement and reinforce the functions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights by providing judicial oversight of human rights violations on the continent.
The court, based in Arusha, Tanzania, began operations in 2006 and has jurisdiction over all cases and disputes submitted to it concerning the interpretation and application of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
President Mahama’s invitation to deliver the keynote address at the judicial year opening reflects Ghana’s standing in promoting human rights and the rule of law on the continent.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
