President John Dramani Mahama has received unanimous backing from ECOWAS Heads of State to serve as Chair of the African Union when West Africa assumes the rotating position in 2027.
The decision follows the endorsement of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, which, during its 95th Ordinary Session in Abuja, recommended President Mahama as the sub-region’s sole candidate. The recommendation was formally adopted by the Authority of Heads of State on December 14, 2025.
ECOWAS officials commended member states for their collective support, noting Ghana’s consistent leadership role in regional affairs and its respected standing on the global stage.
“[We are] determined to work in a concerted manner to support the candidates of ECOWAS Member States or their nationals in international organizations, including the African Union, to ensure that the interests of ECOWAS continue to be promoted and protected,” the statement explained.
Highlighting the bloc’s strategic objectives, the Council said the endorsement aligns with ECOWAS’ commitment to expanding its influence across continental and global platforms.
It reiterated its support for candidates from member states to deepen the organisation’s representation within international institutions, including the African Union, and urged the Authority of Heads of State and Government to formally adopt the declaration in support of Ghana’s 2027 AU chairmanship bid.