President Mahama has urged accelerated implementation of the African Union Peace Fund's resource strategy, including its 0.2% import levy, to secure Africa's peace financing.

Addressing the 21st Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government on Sunday, August 30, President John Dramani Mahama called for stronger enforcement of existing continental peace and security mechanisms to address persistent conflicts across Africa.

He argued that the success of the AU's peace architecture hinges on more than coordination alone, requiring steady and predictable funding to enable swift responses to emerging crises. Mahama also endorsed continued progress toward fully capitalising the AU Peace Fund to reach its $1 billion target, and pressed for greater resource mobilisation from African financial institutions and the private sector to cut the continent's reliance on external funding.

"Early warning must translate into early action, and early action requires resources that are available in a timely and predictable manner," he said.

The AU Peace Fund was established to give the continent greater financial independence in managing its own peace and security interventions, with the 0.2% import levy on eligible goods entering member states serving as one of its key funding mechanisms. Mahama's remarks add Ghana's voice to a broader continental push for African-led financing solutions, as the AU works to reduce its historical dependence on donor support for peacekeeping and conflict-response operations.