President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s support for African-led approaches to resolving conflicts on the continent, calling for sustainable and predictable financing for the African Union’s peace and security agenda.
Speaking at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Luanda, President Mahama formally endorsed the Luanda Action Plan and the African Union Trigger Model.
The two initiatives seek to strengthen African ownership of conflict resolution and peace support operations and reduce the continent’s reliance on foreign donors.
President Mahama said Ghana attaches particular importance to sustainable, predictable and African-owned financing for peace and security efforts.
“Ghana attaches particular importance to sustainable, predictable, and African-owned financing of our peace and security agenda. Our task must ensure effective implementation, better coordination, and shared responsibility.”
He also welcomed progress towards the US$1 billion target for the AU Peace Fund, supported by the 0.2 per cent import levy and private-sector partnerships.
The President further commended the UN Security Council framework under Resolution 2719, which authorises UN-assessed contributions to support AU-led peace operations.
Reparatory justice
President Mahama also briefed the Assembly on the outcomes of the Next Steps Reparations Conference held in Accra.
The conference resulted in the establishment of a high-level Advisory Council on Reparatory Justice and an expert panel on artefact restitution.
He said Ghana remains committed to advancing discussions on reparations and the return of cultural artefacts taken from Africa.
“Many countries have started to address the issue of reparations and are returning looted artefacts... We encourage continued international engagement ahead of the 81st UN General Assembly session.”
President Mahama’s address therefore placed emphasis on stronger African ownership of peace and security efforts, sustainable financing for AU-led operations, and continued international engagement on reparatory justice and the restitution of African artefacts.