The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has unanimously endorsed President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana as the African Union, AU, Chairperson for the year 2027. The endorsement marks a major regional decision ahead of the rotation of the AU leadership to West Africa and places President Mahama firmly in line to assume the largely ceremonial but influential continental role.
The decision by ECOWAS leaders followed earlier backing given by Ministers of Foreign Affairs of member states during a meeting held in Abuja, Nigeria. The ministers had reviewed the matter and agreed to support President Mahama’s candidacy, paving the way for the final endorsement by the Authority of Heads of State and Government.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, said the regional bloc threw its full weight behind President Mahama based on his experience, leadership record, and capacity to represent West Africa effectively at the African Union level. According to Touray, ECOWAS leaders were confident that the former Ghanaian president possesses the political maturity and continental outlook required for the position.
Dr Touray noted that the endorsement reflected a collective decision by West African leaders, who believe President Mahama can articulate the region’s priorities and contribute meaningfully to discussions on peace, security, economic integration, and development across Africa. He added that the confidence shown by ECOWAS leaders was rooted in Mahama’s past roles in regional and continental affairs, as well as his understanding of Africa’s political and economic challenges.
Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, also confirmed the endorsement in a public message, describing it as decisive and overwhelming. According to him, the support from ECOWAS Heads of State and Government has effectively cleared all hurdles for President Mahama ahead of the 2027 AU chairmanship.
Mr Ablakwa explained that the endorsement makes President Mahama the AU Chairperson-in-waiting, pending the official rotation of the position to the West African region in 2027. He said the outcome reflects strong regional unity and trust in Ghana’s leadership credentials within the African Union framework.
The foreign affairs minister disclosed that President Mahama had expressed deep appreciation to his fellow West African leaders for the confidence reposed in him. He said the Ghanaian leader assured them that he would work to meet the high expectations placed on him and serve the interests of the African continent with commitment and responsibility.
“Congratulations – you keep making Ghana proud,” Mr Ablakwa said in his message, reflecting the mood among Ghanaian officials following the regional endorsement.
The Chairperson of the African Union serves as the ceremonial head of the continental body and is elected by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government for a one-year term. Although the role is not executive in nature, it carries significant symbolic weight and influence, as the chairperson represents Africa at major international forums and helps shape the tone of continental engagement on key issues.
The AU chairmanship rotates among Africa’s five geographical regions, namely West Africa, East Africa, Central Africa, Southern Africa, and North Africa. The rotation system is designed to ensure regional balance and inclusiveness within the continental body. Candidates are usually selected by consensus among member states, although a two-thirds majority vote can be used where consensus is not reached.
The endorsement of President Mahama by ECOWAS signals early regional consensus ahead of the formal AU processes. It also positions West Africa as united behind a single candidate, which traditionally strengthens a region’s chances during continental consultations and final approval by the AU Assembly.
Currently, the Chairperson of the African Union is President João Lourenço of Angola, who assumed the position as part of the Southern African region’s turn. Angola’s leadership of the AU comes at a time when the continent is grappling with multiple challenges, including security crises, economic pressures, and efforts to deepen regional integration.
Looking ahead, the Republic of the Congo has indicated interest in contesting the AU chairmanship in 2026, when the rotation is expected to move to another region before reaching West Africa in 2027. This means President Mahama’s endorsement by ECOWAS is part of a longer transition process within the AU’s rotational leadership structure.
Observers note that the early endorsement gives Ghana and President Mahama ample time to engage with other African regions, build wider continental support, and prepare for the responsibilities associated with the chairmanship. It also reflects ECOWAS’ desire to play a coordinated role within the African Union and ensure that West Africa’s voice remains strong at the continental level.
As Africa continues to navigate issues such as peace and security, economic development, climate change, and institutional reform, the AU chairmanship remains an important platform for regional leaders to influence dialogue and cooperation. With ECOWAS now united behind President John Dramani Mahama for 2027, attention will gradually turn to how the endorsement translates into broader continental consensus when the time comes.
