President John Dramani Mahama has received five reports from a High-Level Committee of Experts established to develop a comprehensive strategy document, priority pillars and work programme for Ghana’s upcoming chairmanship of the African Union (AU) in January 2027.
The reports were formally presented to the President at the Presidency on Friday, August 21, 2026, by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who chaired the 13-member committee. Ablakwa also presented highlights of the committee’s work as part of the final phase of preparations for Ghana’s assumption of the continental leadership role.
A Strategic Blueprint for Continental Leadership
The committee was established by President Mahama to put together a Strategy Document, Priority Pillars and a Work Programme to guide his tenure as AU Chair. The five reports are expected to provide the strategic foundation for Ghana’s priorities and programmes during Mahama’s tenure, including the issues the country intends to champion at the continental level.
In a statement, Mr Ablakwa said the extensive preparatory process is intended to ensure that Ghana’s leadership of the AU is not merely ceremonial but produces tangible results for the continent. By developing priority pillars and a work programme in advance, Ghana is seeking to enter the chairmanship with established objectives rather than developing its agenda after assuming office.
A Committee of Distinguished Experts
The High-Level Committee brings together some of Ghana’s most accomplished diplomats, technocrats and policy experts. Its members include:
· Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (Chair) – Minister for Foreign Affairs
· Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas – former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and former President of the ECOWAS Commission
· Ambassador Kwasi Quartey – former Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission
· Ambassador Chris Kpodo – veteran diplomat
· Ambassador Amma A. Twum-Amoah – veteran diplomat
· Ambassador William Awinador-Kanyirige – veteran diplomat
· Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu – veteran diplomat
· Ambassador Francis D. Kotia – veteran diplomat
· Dr Delese Mimi Darko – former Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority
· Larry Gbevlo-Lartey – former National Security Coordinator
· Dr Edem Adzogenu – policy expert
· Dr Obodai Torto – policy expert
· Clarence Amoatey – policy expert
A Transformative Tenure in the Making
Mr Ablakwa expressed confidence that President Mahama’s tenure as AU Chair will be “transformative and impactful,” attributing that expectation to both the preparatory work undertaken by the committee and the President’s broader vision for Africa.
“President Mahama’s tenure is expected to be transformative and impactful due to the rigorous preparatory work underway and his bold vision for our continent,” the Foreign Minister said.
The committee’s work reflects the government’s effort to use the AU Chairmanship to advance a clearly defined African agenda. The process also reinforces President Mahama’s broader emphasis on strengthening Africa’s voice in global affairs, promoting greater self-reliance and ensuring that African countries have greater influence over decisions affecting the continent.
Ghana’s AU Chairmanship Agenda
President Mahama has already outlined key priorities for Ghana’s AU Chairmanship. He has declared that Ghana will place the historic demand for reparations for historical injustices against Africa at the very heart of its agenda. Beyond reparations, he has affirmed that Ghana will also champion gender equality and the advancement of child welfare across the continent.
President Mahama currently serves as the First Vice-Chair of the AU, positioning him to assume the Union’s Chairmanship in 2027. He also leads several of the AU’s high-profile continental portfolios, including reparatory justice, gender equality, and African financial institutions.
A Milestone in Preparations
Mr Ablakwa said the completion of the committee’s assignment marks an important preparatory milestone ahead of Ghana taking up the continental leadership role in January 2027.
He expressed gratitude to the members of the committee for the opportunity to contribute to Ghana’s continental responsibilities.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to serve Ghana and Africa,” he said.
The committee also conveyed its best wishes to President Mahama as he prepares to assume the AU Chairmanship.
“The committee conveys best wishes to President Mahama when he assumes the Chair in January 2027,” the statement read.
Looking Ahead
With the committee’s mandate now concluded and its five reports submitted, attention will turn to how President Mahama and his administration translate the recommendations into a practical agenda for Ghana’s 2027 leadership of the African Union.
The Foreign Minister ended his statement with the government’s patriotic and pan-African refrain: “For God, Country and Africa.”
Ghana’s upcoming AU Chairmanship is expected to provide the country with an opportunity to influence continental discussions on key issues, including economic integration, peace and security, development and regional cooperation.
