ECOWAS Council Endorses Ghana’s President Mahama For African Union Chairmanship 2027

The decision was made during the 95th ordinary session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers held in Abuja on December 12, 2025.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has recommended President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana for the Chairmanship of the African Union in 2027.

The decision was made during the 95th ordinary session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers held in Abuja on December 12, 2025.

The Council in a statement on Thursday said the recommendation reflects its commitment to work in a concerted manner to support the candidacies of ECOWAS Member States or their nationals in international organisations, including the African Union, in order to ensure that the interests of ECOWAS continue to be promoted and protected.

Speaking on the endorsement, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, Foreign Minister of Ghana, explained the outcome of the meeting.

He said, “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 also outlined the next step in the process.

“The Authority of Heads of State and Government is expected to adopt this declaration on Sunday,” Ablakwa said.

Ablakwa acknowledged the support from ECOWAS ministers, saying, “I thank colleague Ministers greatly. Ghana is exceedingly grateful to ECOWAS for the confidence and support for our beloved visionary and Pan-African President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama. Ghana shall keep making Africa proud.”

The Council recommended that the Authority of Heads of State and Government adopt a declaration of support for Ghana’s candidacy.

ECOWAS emphasised that Ghana is an important Member State whose leadership would contribute to the bloc’s international representation.

Officials said the recommendation is part of a broader strategy to maintain and increase ECOWAS’ presence in continental and international organisations.

Once the Authority adopts the declaration, Ghana will formally be positioned as the sole ECOWAS candidate for the African Union chairmanship in 2027.