Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama has been selected by ECOWAS as its sole candidate for the 2027 African Union (AU) chairmanship position.
At its 95th ordinary session of the council of ministers held in Abuja on December 12, ECOWAS says it considered among other things, the need to maintain and increase its chances of occupying position within the region and internationally.
Ghana officially requested for the support of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member states for John Mahama’s candidacy.
The country believes John Mahama’s experience and leadership credentials place him in a strong position to spearhead the continent’s vision of unity and development.
Ghana last held the African Union (AU) chairmanship position between January 2007 to January 2008, with then-President John Agyekum Kufuor as the chairperson. It was the first and last time the country has held the position.
If approved by the Authority of Heads of State and Government, John Mahama will be Ghana’s second AU Chairman.
The AU Chairmanship position rotates on a yearly basis among West, South, East, North and Central Africa. The current chairperson, João Lourenço, President of Angola, began his tenure in February 2025 and is expected to end it by February 2026
Read further: ECOWAS recommendation statement:
