Former President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama arrives in Tanzania to join the 20th anniversary of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights as guest of honor.
John Dramani Mahama landed in Tanzania on Monday for a two-day ceremony to commemorate 20 years of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, an important judicial body based in Arusha on the continent.
The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights marks 20 years since it became functional in 2006. It was established by member states of the African Union so as to ensure better protection of human and peoples’ rights in Africa and act as complement to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The Tanzanian side of government welcomed Mahama upon arrival; they stated his attendance is a clear indication of support for African Institutions and he will join top government officials, diplomats and other high profile people at the event as the Court celebrates two decades.
The Arusha based Court, a significant judicial institution that has presided over cases such as electoral challenges, freedom of expression, fair trials among other fundamental rights; individuals and NGOs can file a case directly with the Court if their country’s state parties to the Protocol make a declaration so allowing.
The former Ghanaian leader who served from 2012 to 2017 has continued to play an active role in regional affairs and governance and will be a key note speaker among other high profile speakers including several other heads of state.
Panels will include discussion on how these institutions ensure good governance and accountability and a chance to hear from former judges on their experience and achievements as well as ongoing court challenges in member states to honor its rulings.
Tanzania acts as host country of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights as per its hosting agreement with the African Union thus its headquarter are in the Tanzanian City of Arusha. Delegations from various African countries were already expected to have jetted into Arusha for the momentous ceremony.
