Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, is being widely tipped as a strong contender for the African Union Commission chairmanship in 2027, a position that rotates among Africa’s five regions. The expectation comes as Mahama continues to serve his current term as Ghana’s leader, while already making it clear that he will not seek a third mandate in his country.
Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed that President Mahama’s leadership credentials, international exposure, and track record in regional affairs make him well placed to take on the top continental role. Ablakwa explained that many African leaders see Mahama as a unifying figure who can guide Africa through a period of economic reform, political stability, and deeper global engagement.
Africa, with its population now estimated at over 1.4 billion, is emerging as a critical player in global trade and politics. The presence of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat in Accra, Ghana, has also placed the country at the heart of Africa’s integration efforts. According to Ablakwa, Mahama’s leadership at the AU would help Africa negotiate better terms with global partners in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, while also ensuring that the continent benefits fully from AfCFTA’s economic opportunities.
President Mahama is not new to continental leadership. During his first tenure as Ghana’s President, he served as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) between March 2014 and May 2015. Under his chairmanship, he coordinated West Africa’s regional response to the Ebola outbreak that hit Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. He also mediated political transitions in Burkina Faso and Mali, where his approach was seen as firm but fair, earning him respect among African leaders and international observers.
Beyond ECOWAS, Mahama has had close ties with the African Union in the areas of peace and security. Ghana has long contributed troops to AU and United Nations peacekeeping missions, and Mahama has often spoken strongly about Africa’s need for collective security and infrastructural growth. His positions have consistently aligned with the AU’s Agenda 2063, which projects Africa as a united and prosperous continent driven by its own citizens.
The AU chairmanship is not a permanent seat but rotates annually among the five regions—North, South, East, West, and Central Africa. Selection usually takes place during the AU Heads of State and Government Summit, either by consensus or through a vote. The holder of the office is normally a sitting Head of State, tasked with representing the Union at international engagements and coordinating activities within Africa.
With West Africa’s turn approaching in 2027, many observers believe Mahama stands out as the most experienced candidate. His experience as a mediator, his role during health and security crises, and his leadership in pushing for African economic integration all contribute to the widespread support he is gathering.
Ablakwa stressed that Africa needs a strong and credible leader at the helm of the AU at this time, given the complex challenges of debt, climate change, insecurity, and trade negotiations. He added that the possibility of Mahama assuming the position gives hope to many Africans who want to see a more united and assertive continent on the world stage.
President Mahama himself has maintained a careful balance, focusing on Ghana’s domestic priorities while quietly building alliances within Africa. He has signaled that while he will not extend his stay in Ghana’s presidency beyond constitutional limits, he remains committed to serving Africa in whatever capacity he is called upon.
As the countdown to 2027 continues, analysts believe the Ghanaian leader will be one of the strongest names put forward when West Africa gets the chance to nominate the AU chairperson. His expected candidacy already draws attention across the continent, as Africans debate what kind of leadership the Union needs in the coming years.
