President John Dramani Mahama is set to deliver the keynote address at the solemn opening of the 2026 Judicial Year of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The ceremony, which also officially launches the commemoration of the Court’s 20th anniversary, will take place on Monday, March 2 at the Kibo Hall within the Court’s premises in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania.
President Mahama is expected to arrive as the Guest of Honour at 1100 EAT. He will first hold a meeting with the President of the African Court, Honourable Justice Blaise Tchikaya, before the commencement of formal proceedings.
His keynote address is scheduled for 1:15pm, following the President of the Court’s speech on the new judicial year and the milestone anniversary.
The ceremony, themed ’20 Years of Service in Protecting Human and Peoples’ Rights in Africa’, will bring together a host of dignitaries from across the continent.
The event will be held in a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person attendance and virtual participation via Zoom.
The programme will feature goodwill messages from a range of high-profile figures.
Among the speakers are Honourable Zainab Athuman Katimba (MP), Deputy Minister of Constitutional and Legal Affairs of the United Republic of Tanzania, representing the host nation; Ms Sophia Ebby, Coordinator of the African Court Coalition; and a representative from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The African Union is well-represented, with a video message expected from Her Excellency Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and virtual remarks from Honourable Idrissa Sow, Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
His Excellency Willy Nyamitwe, Ambassador of Burundi and Chairperson of the Permanent Representatives Committee of the African Union, will also deliver remarks.
The event will commence with the arrival and registration of guests from 8:00am followed by the solemn procession of the Honourable Judges at 11:15am.
The national anthems of Tanzania, Ghana, and the African Union will be played before the introductory remarks by the Director of Programme and Deputy Registrar, Ms. Grace Wakio Kakai.
A key highlight of the day will be the official launch of the Court’s new website, which will take place alongside the declaration opening the judicial year and the launch of the 20th-anniversary commemorations.
The ceremony will conclude with a vote of thanks by the Vice President of the Court, Honourable Lady Justice Chafika Bensaoula, followed by group photos and light refreshments.
A cocktail reception is scheduled for 7:30pm at a venue to be announced.
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, with the mandate of ensuring the protection of human and peoples’ rights across the African continent.
President Mahama’s participation underscores Ghana’s continued commitment to the rule of law and the protection of human rights in Africa.