Accra: The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has unanimously endorsed President John Dramani Mahama as African Union (AU) Chairperson for 2027. This decision marks a significant step for West African leadership on the continental stage.
According to Ghana News Agency, the endorsement follows earlier support by ECOWAS Ministers of Foreign Affairs at a meeting held in Abuja, Nigeria. Dr Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, stated that the community backed President Mahama due to his competence and capacity to represent West Africa effectively at the continental level. He emphasized that ECOWAS leaders had full confidence in President Mahama to discharge the responsibilities associated with the position.
Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, expressed that the decisive and overwhelming support by ECOWAS Heads of State and Government had cleared all hurdles for President Mahama. He explained that this endorsement positions President Mahama as the AU Chairperson-in-waiting when the rotating leadership of the Union reaches West Africa in 2027.
Mr Ablakwa conveyed President Mahama's deepest appreciation to his peers and assured them that he would meet the high expectations of the African continent. 'Congratulations - you keep making Ghana proud,' Mr Ablakwa stated.
The Chairperson of the African Union is the ceremonial head of the organisation and is elected by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government for a one-year term. The position rotates among Africa's five geographic regions, and candidates are selected by consensus or by a two-thirds majority vote of member states. The current Chairperson of the AU is President Joo Louren§o of Angola, while the Republic of the Congo has expressed interest in contesting the position in 2026.