ECOWAS ministers endorse Ghanaian president as 2027 AU chair sole candidate

Ghana President, John Mahama. Photo: Mahama on Facebook

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Ghana’s President, John Mahama, has received a diplomatic boost after the Economic Community of West African States (Council of Ministers) endorsed him as West Africa’s sole candidate for the African Union chairmanship in 2027.

The decision was reached on Friday during the 95th ordinary session of the council in Abuja.

According to the council, Mahama’s endorsement reflects Ghana’s status as “an important ECOWAS member state” and its contribution to the organisation’s “international standing.”

The ministers added that the move also aims to help the bloc “maintain and increase the chances of ECOWAS occupying positions in regional and international organisations.”

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Sam Ablakwa, confirmed the development in a post on X, saying the decision was unanimous.

“ECOWAS Council of Ministers meeting in Abuja, Nigeria has unanimously endorsed President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana as the sole candidate from ECOWAS for Chairperson of the African Union when the rotating chairmanship gets to West Africa’s turn in 2027,” he wrote.

He further noted, “The Authority of Heads of State and Government is expected to adopt this declaration on Sunday,” adding, “Ghana is exceedingly grateful to ECOWAS for the confidence and support for our beloved visionary and Pan-African President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama.”

The AU chairmanship rotates among regions, with Southern Africa currently holding the position after the election of Angolan President, João Gonçalves Lourenço, earlier this year.

West Africa is set to assume the role in 2027.

Previously, Mauritanian President, Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani, held the position after being elected at the 37th session of the AU Assembly.

All AU member states will vote in 2027, requiring a two-thirds majority for any candidate to emerge victorious. By selecting a candidate early, ECOWAS aims to strengthen regional coordination ahead of the vote and boost Mahama’s continental profile.

The PUNCH journalist, Gift, has over three years of experience covering elections, security and foreign affairs.

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