Mahama becomes first sitting Ghanaian president to address AU Human Rights Court

President John Dramani Mahama is set to make history on Monday, March 2, 2026, as he becomes the first sitting Ghanaian president to address the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights at the opening of its 2026 judicial year in Arusha.

The visit marks a significant diplomatic milestone for Ghana and coincides with the launch of the court's 20th anniversary celebrations.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Presidency on Sunday, February 28, 2026.

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"The ceremony will also be used to launch the 20th anniversary of the court. This will be the first invitation for a sitting president of the Republic of Ghana to address the AU Court. The theme for the opening of the judicial year is ‘20 Years of Service in Protecting Human and Peoples’ Rights in Africa’", the post stated.

It further noted that while in Arusha, President Mahama will hold talks with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

'Mr Mahama will leave Arusha after the opening programme on Monday, and while away,' it stated.

President Mahama to open African Court’s 2026 judicial year in Arusha

In his absence, the Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, will act as president in accordance with Article 60(8) of the 1992 Constitution.

The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Court) is a continental court established by African  states to ensure the protection of human and peoples’ rights in Africa. It complements the functions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The Court was established pursuant to Article 1 of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Protocol), which was adopted by Member States of the then Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, in June 1998.

See the statement below:

STATEMENT: President Mahama to open African Court in Arusha on Monday.

President John Dramani Mahama will leave Accra on Sunday, 1st March 2026, for Arusha, Tanzania, where he will be the Special Guest of Honour at a solemn ceremony to open the 2026 judicial year of the African… pic.twitter.com/6Ns6iG62Rd

— Ghana Presidency (@GhanaPresidency) March 1, 2026