President John Dramani Mahama, has arrived in Tanzania to participate in the solemn opening of the 2026 Judicial Year of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, where he is expected to deliver the keynote address.
A statement issued by Ghana’s Presidency said President Mahama landed at the Kilimanjaro International Airport on the eve of the ceremony and was received by Mr Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of Tanzania.
Also, at the airport to receive the President was Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Kenya, who is also accredited to Tanzania, and Mr Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei, Ghana’ Supreme Court Judge, who is also a member of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The statement said President Mahama was accompanied by senior government officials such as Mrs Joyce Bawa Mogari, Presidential Advisor and Special Aide to the President and Madam Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew, the Legal Advisor to the President.
It said the warm reception underscored the importance Ghana attaches to the continent’s premier judicial body for human rights.
The statement said President Mahama was scheduled to grace the ceremony as the Guest of Honour on Monday, 2nd March 2026, at the Kibo Hall within the Court’s premises in Arusha.
According to the official programme, President Mahama would arrive at the venue at 11:00 a.m. (East African Time). The statement said President Mahama would first hold a meeting with the President of the African Court, Justice Blaise Tchikaya, before joining the formal proceedings.
It said President Mahama’s keynote address was scheduled for 1:15 p.m., following the President of the Court’s reflections on the new judicial year and the milestone anniversary.
It said the ceremony, themed, “20 Years of Service in Protecting Human and Peoples’ Rights in Africa,” would also officially launch the commemoration of the Court’s 20th anniversary.
The statement said it would bring together a host of dignitaries from across the continent in a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person attendance and virtual participation via Zoom.
It noted that programme would feature goodwill messages from a range of high-profile figures, including representatives of the host nation, the African Union Commission, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the United Nations.
It said the key highlight of the day would be the official launch of the Court’s new website, which will take place alongside the declaration of opening the judicial year.
It said the event would conclude with a vote of thanks by the Vice President of the Court, Lady Justice Chafika Bensaoula.
The statement said President Mahama’s presence and address were expected to reinforce Ghana’s longstanding commitment to the rule of law, human rights, and the strengthening of African Union institutions.
GNA
