The Authority of Heads of State of ECOWAS has unanimously endorsed President John Dramani Mahama as the African Union (AU) Chair when the rotating chairmanship reaches West Africa in 2027.
The decision follows the ECOWAS Council of Ministers’ unanimous recommendation of President Mahama as the sole candidate from the region.
The recommendation, made during the Council’s ninety-fifth ordinary session in Abuja, was forwarded to the Authority of Heads of State and Government for formal adoption on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
ECOWAS thanked member states for backing Ghana’s candidacy, citing the country’s contributions to the region and its international standing.
“[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,” part of the statement read.
The Council added that the endorsement reflects ECOWAS’ commitment to advancing the region’s influence in continental and global bodies. It reaffirmed its support for candidates from member states to strengthen ECOWAS’ presence in international organizations, including the African Union.
The recommendation now urges the Authority of Heads of State and Government to formally adopt the declaration supporting Ghana’s bid for the AU chairmanship in 2027.
