By Celestine Avi and Seth Eyiah
Tanzania, Arusha – President John Dramani Mahama has raised concerns over escalating tensions in the Middle East and their potential economic fallout on Africa, while strengthening bilateral cooperation with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan during talks at the State House in Arusha on Monday, March 2, 2026.
The bilateral meeting touched on global security, economic transformation, resource sovereignty, human rights, reparations, and enhanced Ghana–Tanzania relations.
Middle East Tensions and Economic Impact
President Mahama expressed alarm over escalating attacks involving the United States, Israel and Iran, as well as counter-attacks on Gulf states, warning that Africa must brace for economic shocks. He described the Middle East as the “epicentre of global oil supplies,” stressing that any sustained instability would inevitably trigger rising crude oil prices with direct negative consequences for African economies.
According to him, increases in global crude prices quickly translate into higher transport costs, inflationary pressures, and fiscal strain across the continent.
Deepening Ghana–Tanzania Bilateral Relations
The two leaders reaffirmed the historic bond between Ghana and Tanzania, rooted in the friendship between Kwame Nkrumah and Julius Nyerere. They acknowledged the absence of a Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) between the two countries and agreed to fast-track its establishment to formalise and deepen collaboration in key sectors.
Discussions are also underway towards a possible state visit to finalise and sign several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) aimed at boosting trade, investment, and technical cooperation.
Economic Transformation and Resource Sovereignty
President Mahama shared Ghana’s recent progress in reforming its gold sector, revealing that small-scale gold exports increased from 63 metric tons to 104 metric tons within nine months, injecting an estimated $10 billion into the economy. He emphasised that African nations must exercise greater sovereignty over their natural resources to drive economic transformation and reduce dependency.
On cocoa financing, the President announced Ghana’s decision to break from external financing arrangements. Beginning next season, he said, the country will raise local funds to purchase at least 400,000 metric tons of cocoa for domestic processing, a move aimed at retaining more value within the economy.
Support for the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights
President Mahama is in Arusha as a special guest for the 20th anniversary and opening of the 2026 legal year of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. He described the Court as an institution “Africans can be proud of” and urged member states that are yet to ratify its protocol to do so, to strengthen continental human rights protection mechanisms.
Tanzania’s Post-Election Measures
The President commended President Hassan for establishing an independent Commission of Inquiry and announcing plans for a Reconciliation Commission following Tanzania’s recent elections. He noted that such transparent measures enable nations to learn from challenges and help consolidate multiparty democracy.
Reparations Agenda at the UN
In his capacity as the African Union Champion on Reparations, President Mahama confirmed that a resolution recognising the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity will be tabled at the United Nations General Assembly on March 25.
He acknowledged Tanzania’s firm backing for the reparations cause and reiterated Africa’s collective commitment to pursuing historical justice.
Impressed by Arusha
President Mahama described Arusha as a beautiful city and hinted at returning with his family for a vacation in the future, praising the hospitality and serenity of the Tanzanian tourist hub.
The meeting underscored renewed diplomatic engagement between Ghana and Tanzania, anchored in shared Pan-African ideals and a commitment to economic self-determination and democratic governance.
