By Hannah Dadzie
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has participated in the 44th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU), which was held under the theme ‘‘Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality and Relevant Learning in Africa’’, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 14th to 15th February, 2024.
In her remarks during the Session, Madam Ayorkor Botchwey, stated that the operationalisation of the African Humanitarian Agency was long overdue. She noted that the continent is confronted with various degrees of humanitarian crises, which arise through conflicts or natural disasters.
The Minister further added that while steps have been taken to mitigate these situations as and when they happen, it is imperative to have an agency that would coordinate and lead humanitarian efforts to avert duplication of efforts and ensure the efficient use of resources.
Madam Ayorkor Botchwey supported the delegation of powers from the Assembly to the Executive Council, to consider and adopt the structures of the African Humanitarian Agency and the African Inclusive Markets Excellence Centre during its 45th Ordinary Session.
On the issue of the AU-Wide Bank Accounts outside the continent, the Minister intimated that Ghana supports the decision for the Commission to repatriate funds in the United States of America and Europe to the continent, and apply the principle of equitable representation to the location of AU Bank accounts on the Continent.
In the sidelines of the AU Executive Council Meeting, the Minister participated in a consultative session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Ministerial Committee for its Member States’ Applications for International and Regional Statutory Positions.
Madam Ayorkor Botchwey also held a bilateral meeting with the Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, Jacob Blitehstein. The two officials discussed bilateral and regional issues which are of mutual interest.
Ghana remains a committed member of the African Union and upholds its aims, including the commitment to achieving greater unity and solidarity among African countries and their people, as well as the attainment of an enhanced regional developmental status through the AU Agenda 2063.
