President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, has expressed full confidence in the ability of Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, to lead the African Union (AU).

This follows the unanimous endorsement of President Mahama’s candidature by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State for the position of Chairperson of the African Union in 2027.

Addressing journalists in Abuja after the endorsement, the President of the ECOWAS Commission explained that the leaders expressed strong confidence in President Mahama’s candidature because of his experience and competence.

“The Authority has also decided to support Ghana's candidature for the chairmanship of the African Union for the year 2027,” he said.

He added: “President Mahama deserves this community support. We all know the competence of President Mahama, and the leaders have full confidence in him to represent West Africa in that role.”

The endorsement was earlier 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.

He also stated that Mahama expressed his gratitude to his fellow heads of state for their endorsement.

ECOWAS presidents endorse Mahama as AU Chairman from 2027

“President Mahama conveyed his deepest appreciation to his peers and assured them that he will meet the legitimate high expectations of the continent.

“Congratulations, Your Excellency — you keep making Ghana proud,” the post concluded.

The endorsement by the 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 when the regional rotation reaches ECOWAS in 2027.

BAI

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