ECOWAS Unanimously Endorses President John Mahama for 2027 African Union Chairmanship
In a significant show of regional solidarity, the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially endorsed Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama to lead the African Union (AU) when the chairmanship rotates to West Africa in 2027.
This decision, reached on Sunday, December 14, 2025, followed a unanimous recommendation from the ECOWAS Council of Ministers during their 95th Ordinary Session in Abuja. By nominating President Mahama as the sub-region’s sole candidate, ECOWAS aims to present a unified front at the continental level, reinforcing West Africa’s diplomatic influence within the AU and the broader international community.
The Council expressed deep appreciation to member states for their collective support of Ghana’s candidacy, noting that the selection reflects the country’s long-standing dedication to regional integration and its respected position in global diplomacy.
In a formal statement, ECOWAS reaffirmed its strategic commitment to promoting leaders from within the bloc for top-tier international positions, ensuring that West African interests are robustly represented and protected. This early endorsement is seen as a proactive move to secure the chairmanship and strengthen the region’s voice in addressing continental challenges.
With this regional backing secured, the Authority of Heads of State and Government is now expected to formally finalize the declaration and begin the necessary diplomatic engagements to solidify the bid ahead of the 2027 AU elections.
This move underscores a resolve within the ECOWAS bloc to ensure that the region’s leadership capabilities are fully leveraged to drive the African Union’s developmental and security agendas in the coming years.
