The ECOWAS Council of Ministers has 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.

The decision is said to have been reached at the Council’s meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, where ministers from across the sub-region threw their full support behind the Ghanaian leader.

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The endorsement of President Mahama is set to be forwarded to the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, which is expected to formally adopt the declaration on Sunday.

In a statement announcing the development on Friday, December 12, 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa expressed profound gratitude to member states for rallying behind President Mahama.

“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. The Authority of Heads of State and Government is expected to adopt this declaration on Sunday.

“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,” the minister said.

Ablakwa reiterated the government’s commitment to positively championing Ghana’s image on the African continent.

He said, “Ghana shall keep making Africa proud.”

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President Mahama’s endorsement firmly positions him as West Africa’s official contender ahead of broader consultations within the African Union.

Read the minister's statement below:



MAG/EB

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