Ghana to Host AU Meeting on Financial Independence

What the report says

Ghana is set to host an African Union meeting in Accra on November 13, according to the Nile Post, as ministers and continental leaders gather to discuss the bloc’s financial sustainability and independence. The session is the 27th Extraordinary Session of the AU Executive Council and will take place at Labadi Beach Hotel starting at 9:00 a.m.

The report says the main focus will be on reducing the African Union’s reliance on external funding and improving its ability to support continental programmes and peace operations with more predictable resources. Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a November 11 press release that the meeting will be held under the patronage of President John Dramani Mahama in cooperation with the African Union Commission.

The publication adds that the financing issue is part of wider AU reform efforts aimed at strengthening accountability, operational capacity and financial independence. Kenyan President William Ruto, identified as the AU Champion for Institutional Reform, has been leading work to advance changes intended to reduce the bloc’s dependence on outside support.

Delegates expected in Accra include AU foreign affairs and finance ministers, African Union Commission leadership, representatives of AU organs and institutions, regional economic communities, the United Nations and other partners. More broadly, the meeting reflects a long-running push within the AU to increase member-state contributions and give African institutions greater control over how continental priorities are funded and carried out.