The Authority of Heads of State of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has unanimously endorsed former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama as the African Union (AU) chair when the rotating leadership reaches West Africa in 2027.
The decision follows a recommendation by the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, which named Mahama the sole candidate from the region during its ninety-fifth ordinary session in Abuja. The recommendation was forwarded to the Authority of Heads of State and Government for formal adoption on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025.
ECOWAS praised member states for backing Ghana’s candidacy, citing the country’s contributions to regional cooperation 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,” the bloc said in a statement.
The Council added that the endorsement reflects ECOWAS’ commitment to advancing West Africa’s influence in continental and global bodies. It reaffirmed support for candidates from member states to strengthen the region’s presence in international organizations, including the AU.
