The ECOWAS Council of Ministers has reached a unanimous decision to endorse President John Dramani Mahama as the exclusive candidate from the region for the position of Chairperson of the African Union (AU) when the rotating chairmanship is set to arrive in West Africa in 2027.
This recommendation from the Council, which took place during its ninety-fifth ordinary session in Abuja, will be submitted to the Authority of Heads of State and Government for approval on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
In a statement released on Friday, December 12, 2025, ECOWAS expressed its appreciation to member states for their support of Ghana’s candidacy, emphasizing the nation’s contributions to the region and its standing on the international stage.
“We are committed to collaborating effectively to support the candidates from ECOWAS Member States or their nationals in international organizations, including the African Union, to ensure that the interests of ECOWAS are consistently promoted and safeguarded.
“We aim to establish a unified stance for effective support and voting in favor of the election of the Republic of Ghana to the Chairmanship of the African Union in 2027,” a portion of the statement indicated.
The Council acknowledged that this endorsement is in line with ECOWAS’ dedication to advancing the interests of the region within international and continental organizations.
It reiterated its resolve to back candidates from member states to enhance ECOWAS’ influence and presence in both regional and global institutions, including the African Union.
The recommendation calls upon the Authority of Heads of State and Government to officially adopt the declaration endorsing Ghana’s candidacy for the AU chairmanship in 2027.
