President John Dramani Mahama has engaged in high-level bilateral discussions with Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, at the State House in Arusha, focusing on strengthening Ghana–Tanzania relations and advancing continental cooperation.
The talks, conducted in the spirit of Pan-African solidarity, covered pressing regional and global issues, including developments in the Middle East.
President Mahama expressed concern over escalating conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, noting that continued instability in the region could have significant economic repercussions for Africa, particularly through fluctuations in global crude oil prices.
Both leaders reaffirmed the historic partnership between Kwame Nkrumah and Julius Nyerere and agreed on revitalising structured bilateral engagement.
Plans are underway to establish a Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC), with discussions also moving toward a prospective State Visit to formalise multiple bilateral agreements and Memoranda of Understanding.
On economic matters, President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s recent reforms in the gold sector, reporting that small-scale gold exports increased from 63 to 104 metric tonnes within nine months, contributing roughly US$10 billion to the national economy.
He also announced Ghana’s decision to phase out external cocoa financing arrangements, mobilising domestic resources to procure at least 400,000 metric tonnes of cocoa annually for local processing, underscoring the importance of resource sovereignty and value addition.
President Mahama is in Arusha as the Special Guest of Honour for the 20th Anniversary and Opening of the 2026 Legal Year of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which he described as a vital continental institution for justice and human rights.
He encouraged member states that have not yet ratified its Protocol to do so.
On Tanzania’s post-election reforms, President Mahama commended President Hassan for establishing an independent Commission of Inquiry and plans for a Reconciliation Commission, noting that such measures demonstrate democratic maturity, strengthen multiparty governance, and promote national cohesion.
In his role as African Union Champion on Reparations, Mahama confirmed that a resolution recognising the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity will be presented to the United Nations General Assembly on 25 March.
He also expressed appreciation for Tanzania’s support for Africa’s reparations agenda.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
