The ECOWAS Council of Ministers, meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, has unanimously endorsed Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama as the bloc’s sole candidate for African Union chairperson when the rotating West African term comes in 2027.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced on Facebook on Friday, December 12, that the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS is expected to formally adopt the decision on Sunday.
He expressed Ghana’s gratitude to the ECOWAS ministers, stating, “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 chairmanship involves two distinct roles: the Chairperson of the AU, a rotating head-of-state position held for one year that provides high-level political leadership, and the Chairperson of the AU Commission, elected for a four-year term to manage day-to-day operations. The AU Commission Chairperson acts as the organisation’s CEO, legal representative, financial manager, and policy implementer, reporting to the Executive Council while driving the continental agenda.
The election process
Candidates for the AU Commission Chairperson are first pre-screened by a Panel of Eminent Africans, which evaluates their skills, experience, and suitability. Regional blocs then nominate their preferred contenders—for example, the Eastern Region submitted candidates for the 2025 cycle.
In recent years, candidates have also participated in televised debates to share their vision and engage the African public. The final decision rests with the AU Assembly, which elects the Chairperson through a secret ballot requiring a two-thirds majority.
While the rotating AU Chairperson provides broad political leadership, the AU Commission Chairperson ensures the organisation’s operational effectiveness, implementing the AU’s vision across the continent.
