President John Dramani Mahama
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has endorsed President John Dramani Mahama as its candidate for the position of Chairperson of the African Union (AU) in 2027.
This implies that President Mahama is the AU Chairperson-in-waiting, since it will be the turn of West Africa to take on the leadership of the union in 2025.
The endorsement was announced by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in a post shared on social media on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
According to the minister, the presidents of ECOWAS “unanimously” endorsed Mahama’s candidature at the 68th ECOWAS Heads of State Summit held in Abuja, Nigeria, on Sunday.
“ECOWAS Presidents have unanimously endorsed the resolution of the Ministerial Council, making President Mahama the sole West African candidate for AU Chairperson in 2027.
“This decisive and overwhelming support by the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government clears all hurdles and makes President John Mahama the AU Chairperson-in-waiting when the rotating AU leadership gets to West Africa’s turn in 2027,” the minister wrote.
President Mahama arrives in Nigeria for 68th ECOWAS Heads of State Summit
He also stated that Mahama expressed his gratitude to his fellow heads of state for their endorsement.
“President Mahama conveyed his deepest appreciation to his peers, and assured that he will meet the legitimate high expectations of the continent.
“Congratulations, Your Excellency — you keep making Ghana proud,” the post concludes.
The endorsement by presidents comes after the ECOWAS Council of Ministers unanimously endorsed President John Dramani Mahama as West Africa’s sole candidate for the position of Chairperson of the African Union (AU) when the regional rotation reaches ECOWAS in 2027.
Ghana’s president secures ECOWAS backing for 2027 AU Chairmanship position
BAI
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