Presidents of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have unanimously endorsed a resolution by the bloc’s Ministerial Council naming Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama as the sole West African candidate for the position of Chairperson of the African Union in 2027.
The decisive backing by ECOWAS Heads of State and Government effectively clears all regional hurdles, positioning President Mahama as the chairperson-in-waiting when the African Union’s rotating leadership reaches West Africa in 2027. The endorsement reflects broad regional consensus and confidence in Mahama’s leadership credentials and pan-African outlook.
Following the decision, President Mahama expressed deep appreciation to his fellow leaders for the confidence reposed in him. He assured them that he would work diligently to meet the high expectations of the continent and advance Africa’s collective interests on the global stage.
The African Union chairmanship rotates among the continent’s five regions, with candidates typically requiring strong regional endorsement before gaining continental acceptance. ECOWAS’ unanimous support places Mahama in a commanding position ahead of the formal AU processes leading up to 2027.
ECOWAS backs Ghana’s President, Mahama as sole candidate for 2027 AU chair
