Ghana Backs AU-Led Financing Architecture for Peace, Calls for Momentum on Reparatory Justice

Luanda: Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to self-reliant conflict resolution in Africa, with President John Dramani Mahama advocating an accelerated transition to African-owned peace support operations to end long-standing donor dependence. Addressing the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in Luanda, Angola, President Mahama formally endorsed the Luanda Action Plan and the African Union Trigger Model. He stressed that Africa's evolving security challenges require proactive conflict detection and quick responses to early warning signals. According to African Press Organization, President Mahama stated, "Ghana attaches particular importance to sustainable, predictable, and African-owned financing of our peace and security agenda." He emphasized the need for effective implementation, better coordination, and shared responsibility in maintaining international peace and security. President Mahama commended the UN Security Council Resolution 271 9 (2023), which provides a framework for financing AU-led peace support operations through UN-assessed contributions. He urged stakeholders to operationalize the framework while upholding African ownership and accountability. Highlighting financial progress, the Ghanaian President welcomed steps to raise $1 billion for the AU Peace Fund. This milestone is supported by a 0.2% import levy and contributions from private sector players and African financial institutions. Beyond peace and security, President Mahama briefed the AU Assembly on outcomes from the Next Steps Reparations Conference held in Accra. The conference established key institutional mechanisms, including a high-level Advisory Council on Reparatory Justice and a global expert panel dedicated to the restitution of looted African cultural heritage. Acknowledging the growing global momentum backed by the AU, CARICOM, and the African Diaspora, President Mahama pointed to historic shifts already underway: "Many countries have started to address the issue of reparations and are returning looted artefacts," Mahama noted. France recently repealed the historic Code Noir, which once provided the legal basis for the enslavement of Africans. He also highlighted landmark gestures of accountability, including formal apologies from the Vatican and the Archbishop of Canterbury. During his recent visit to Ghana, the Archbishop announced a £100 million reparatory justice fund to engage local Anglican communities. Looking ahead, President Mahama expressed confidence that the upcoming 81st UN General Assembly (UNGA) session this September will yield further international support for Africa's reparatory justice agenda.