The West African leaders have unanimously endorsed President John Dramani Mahama as the region’s sole candidate for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in 2027.
This decision, announced by Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, was at the 68th ECOWAS Summit in Abuja on Sunday, December 14, 2025 and formalizes Mahama’s candidacy ahead of the AU’s rotational leadership passing to West Africa.
It confirms an earlier resolution by the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, which had selected Mahama during its 95th Ordinary Session on December 12.
ECOWAS Commission President, Omar Alieu Touray, expressed strong confidence in Mahama’s experience and capacity to lead the continental body.
The endorsement underscores Ghana’s influential role within the bloc and forms part of a broader strategy to amplify West Africa’s voice in key international forums.
In response, President Mahama thanked his fellow heads of state for their trust, pledging to rise to continental expectations.
Minister Ablakwa hailed the move as a decisive diplomatic victory that “clears all hurdles” for Ghana’s candidate, noting it as another instance of the nation making Africa proud.
The AU Chairperson is elected by member states, requiring a two-thirds majority. The position is currently held by Angola’s President João Lourenço, representing Southern Africa.
By uniting behind a single candidate well in advance, ECOWAS aims to coordinate regional support and strengthen Mahama’s position ahead of the 2027 vote.
This early and unanimous endorsement marks a significant diplomatic achievement for Ghana and positions Mahama as the frontrunner for the AU’s top role.
