President John Dramani Mahama has held high level bilateral talks with Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, at the State House in Arusha, reaffirming the enduring partnership between the two countries and outlining a renewed agenda for continental cooperation.
The discussions were held in the spirit of Pan African solidarity and focused on strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between Ghana and Tanzania, while also addressing key regional and global developments.
Both leaders underscored the importance of African unity at a time of evolving geopolitical and economic challenges, stressing the need for coordinated responses rooted in shared values and mutual respect.
In reaffirming the longstanding ties between the two nations, President Mahama and President Hassan paid tribute to the historic partnership between Kwame Nkrumah and Julius Nyerere.
They described that relationship as foundational to modern Pan Africanism and noted that its principles continue to guide cooperation between Ghana and Tanzania. Both leaders agreed that the legacy of their founding leaders must be translated into practical collaboration that delivers tangible benefits to their citizens.
Revitalise Structured Bilateral Engagement
Central to the discussions was the need to revitalise structured bilateral engagement. The two presidents agreed on the urgency of expediting the establishment of a Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation, which would serve as a formal framework for sustained dialogue and policy coordination across priority sectors.
They also confirmed that discussions are advancing toward a prospective State Visit, during which several bilateral agreements and Memoranda of Understanding are expected to be formalised.
On economic transformation and resource governance, President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s recent reforms in the gold sector. He noted that small scale gold exports had increased significantly, rising from 63 to 104 metric tonnes within nine months, contributing approximately ten billion United States dollars to the national economy.
He explained that these gains reflect deliberate policy efforts to formalise the sector, enhance transparency, and ensure that natural resources contribute more directly to national development.
The President further emphasised the importance of resource sovereignty and value addition. He announced Ghana’s decision to transition away from external cocoa financing arrangements in favour of mobilising domestic resources.
Under this approach, Ghana intends to procure no fewer than 400,000 metric tonnes of cocoa annually for local processing, a move aimed at boosting industrial capacity, creating jobs, and retaining greater value within the domestic economy.
President Mahama is in Arusha as Special Guest of Honour for the twentieth anniversary and opening of the 2026 Legal Year of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
He described the Court as a distinguished continental institution that plays a vital role in advancing justice, the rule of law, and human rights across Africa. He encouraged member states that have not yet ratified the Court’s Protocol to do so, noting that broader participation would strengthen its legitimacy and impact.
Tanzania’s Post-Election Processes
Touching on Tanzania’s post election processes, President Mahama commended President Hassan for the establishment of an independent Commission of Inquiry and plans for a Reconciliation Commission.
He observed that such measures demonstrate democratic maturity and a commitment to national cohesion. According to him, inclusive post election mechanisms help reinforce trust in democratic institutions and strengthen multiparty governance.
In his capacity as African Union Champion on Reparations, President Mahama also confirmed that a resolution recognising the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity will be tabled before the United Nations General Assembly on 25 March.
He expressed appreciation for Tanzania’s principled support for the reparations agenda, noting that sustained continental solidarity is essential for advancing historical justice on the global stage.
The bilateral talks concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation between Ghana and Tanzania, anchored in shared history, mutual economic interests, and a common vision for Africa’s future.
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