The ECOWAS Council of Ministers has unanimously endorsed Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama as the sole West African candidate for the position of Chairperson of the African Union (AU) when the rotational leadership reaches the sub-region in 2027.
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the development in a Facebook post on Friday, December 12, describing it as a significant show of confidence in President Mahama’s continental leadership.
According to him, the final approval is expected on Sunday, when the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS meets to formally adopt the ministers’ declaration.
“Ghana is exceedingly grateful to ECOWAS for the confidence and support for our beloved visionary and Pan-African President, John Dramani Mahama,” he wrote.
Understanding the AU Leadership Structure
The African Union has two distinct leadership roles:
- Chairperson of the AU (Rotating Head of State):
A one-year political and diplomatic leadership position, held annually by a Head of State from a different region. - Chairperson of the AU Commission (AUC):
A four-year term for the AU’s executive head, responsible for administration, finances, policy implementation, and driving the AU’s continental agenda. The AUC Chairperson requires a two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly of Heads of State. - How the AUC Chairperson is Elected
The election process for the AUC Chairperson is rigorous and multilayered:
- Pre-screening:
A Panel of Eminent Africans evaluates all potential candidates based on experience, competence, and leadership suitability. - Regional Endorsements:
Each African region nominates its preferred candidate — for example, East Africa produced the candidates for the 2025 cycle. - Public Debates:
In recent cycles, contenders have participated in televised debates to outline their vision and engage citizens across the continent. - Final Election:
The AU Assembly elects the Chairperson by secret ballot, requiring a two-thirds majority for a winner to emerge. - A Potential Mahama Leadership Ahead
If endorsed by the ECOWAS Heads of State this weekend, President Mahama will become West Africa’s official nominee for the influential continental role in 2027.
While the rotating AU Chairperson provides high-level political direction, the AUC Chairperson functions as the Union’s operational head, a position expected to shape Africa’s governance priorities, institutional reforms, and development agenda over the coming decade.
Source: paqmediagh/Peter Quao Adattor
