The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that Ghana will host African Union (AU) leaders and officials in Accra on Friday, November 13, for discussions on strengthening the continental body’s financial independence and reducing its reliance on external funding.
In a statement dated Wednesday, November 11, the Ministry said the event, scheduled for the Labadi Beach Hotel, would be held as the 27th Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union Dedicated to Financing the Union.
The meeting is expected to focus on measures to ensure predictable and sustainable financing for the AU’s programmes and peace support operations.
The Ministry said the financing question remained central to the Union’s institutional reform efforts.
“The financing of the African Union remains a central component of the ongoing institutional reform process aimed at strengthening the Union’s financial independence, accountability and capacity to implement its continental priorities,” the Ministry said.
The reforms are intended to improve the AU’s ability to fund its activities and continental priorities without excessive dependence on external partners.
Kenya’s President, Dr William Samoei Ruto, who serves as the AU Champion for Institutional Reform, has been leading efforts to advance the process.
The Accra meeting will bring together member states and other stakeholders to deliberate on financing arrangements that can strengthen the institution’s long-term sustainability.
