President John Dramani Mahama has received a high-level delegation from the African Union (AU) Commission led by its Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, at the Presidency in Accra as preparations intensify for Ghana’s leadership role in the continental organisation.
The meeting focused on key issues affecting Africa, including the African Union’s financial independence, regional security, debt management, reparative justice and the strengthening of the continent’s healthcare systems.
During the courtesy call, Chairperson Youssouf expressed the delegation’s support for President Mahama as he prepares to assume the AU Chairmanship in January. He acknowledged the Ghanaian leader’s contributions to continental affairs, particularly his advocacy for reparative justice and reforms aimed at improving Africa’s financial institutions.
The AU delegation also expressed confidence in Mahama’s leadership and its potential contribution to shaping the organisation’s future priorities.
Mahama Calls for Full Implementation of AU’s 0.2% Import Levy
One of the major issues discussed was the need for the African Union to achieve financial independence and reduce its reliance on external funding.
President Mahama urged African countries to fully implement the AU’s proposed 0.2 per cent levy on eligible imports to generate sustainable revenue for financing the organisation’s programmes and activities.
Using the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as an example, he pointed to its 0.5 per cent community levy as a funding mechanism that helps the regional organisation finance its operations.
Mahama stressed that the proposed AU levy should not be regarded as government money but rather as contributions from the African people, with governments serving as collection agents.
He stated: “It’s not government money to the AU; it’s the people’s money. Government is only a collecting agency.”
The AU Commission Chairperson thanked Mahama for supporting efforts to secure the organisation’s financial independence through the proposed import levy.
In response, the President pledged to engage other African leaders and encourage them to support the full implementation of the financing arrangement.
Mahama Briefs AU Delegation on Accra Reset Initiative
President Mahama also used the meeting to brief the delegation on the Accra Reset Initiative, which seeks to strengthen Africa’s sovereignty, resilience and self-reliance.
The initiative places emphasis on expanding vaccine manufacturing capacity, improving access to essential vaccines and strengthening healthcare systems across African countries.
The discussions also addressed Africa’s growing debt burden and the need for sustainable debt management strategies.
Mahama called for effective approaches to debt treatment and innovative financing mechanisms that would help African countries manage their financial obligations while creating room for economic development.
AU Chairperson Commends Mahama on Regional Security and Reparations
Regional security and cooperation among African countries also featured prominently in the discussions.
Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf commended President Mahama for his efforts to reduce tensions and improve relations between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The AU official also praised Mahama’s involvement in advancing Africa’s reparations agenda on the international stage.
The meeting forms part of broader engagements aimed at strengthening African cooperation, promoting economic independence and addressing challenges confronting the continent.
President Mahama’s anticipated assumption of the AU Chairmanship in January is expected to provide an opportunity for further discussions on continental integration, sustainable development, regional stability and Africa’s economic transformation.
Source: newsthemegh.com