The ECOWAS Council of Ministers, meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, has unanimously approved Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama as the bloc’s sole candidate for the African Union chairpersonship when the rotating leadership returns to West Africa in 2027.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, shared the news in a Facebook post on Friday, December 12, noting that the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government is expected to formally adopt the decision on Sunday.
He expressed Ghana’s gratitude to the regional ministers for the endorsement, writing:
“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 AU leadership structure consists of two key roles: the annual rotating Chairperson of the African Union—held by a Head of State who provides political direction—and the Chairperson of the AU Commission, who serves a four-year term as the organisation’s chief executive. The Commission Chairperson oversees administration, finances, and policy implementation, and reports to the Executive Council.
The election of the AUC Chairperson is rigorous. Candidates are vetted by a Panel of Eminent Africans, after which regional blocs nominate their preferred choices. For example, the Eastern Region submitted candidates for the 2025 cycle. In recent times, candidates have also participated in televised debates to articulate their plans for the continent.
The final vote takes place at the AU Assembly, where a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority through a secret ballot.
While the rotating AU Chair offers overarching political leadership, the AUC Chairperson runs the day-to-day affairs of the Union and drives the long-term continental agenda.
Source: joynews
