The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has thrown its full weight behind Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, endorsing him as the bloc’s sole candidate for the African Union (AU) Chairmanship in 2027.
The endorsement was reached during the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers held in Abuja on December 12, 2025.
In a statement on Thursday, the Council said the decision demonstrates ECOWAS’ commitment to jointly supporting the candidacies of its Member States and nationals in regional and international bodies, ensuring the organisation’s interests remain strongly represented.
Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, who spoke on the development, confirmed the unanimous decision.
“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 said.
Ablakwa further explained that the next phase involves approval from the highest political authority in the region.
“The Authority of Heads of State and Government is expected to adopt this declaration on Sunday,” he noted.
Expressing gratitude, Ablakwa praised ECOWAS ministers for their confidence in Ghana’s leader.
“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,” he said.
ECOWAS highlighted Ghana’s strategic role in the sub-region, stating that Mahama’s leadership would help advance the bloc’s representation on the continental stage.
Once adopted by the Authority of Heads of State and Government, Ghana will officially stand as ECOWAS’ sole nominee for the AU Chairmanship in 2027, marking a major step in the region’s bid to strengthen its influence within Africa’s top political body.
