Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has begun preparations to take over the rotating chairmanship of the African Union (AU), with his tenure expected to begin in January 2027, succeeding Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye.
The preparations come after the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) formally endorsed Mahama’s candidacy, strengthening Ghana’s bid to lead the continental organisation.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said the extensive preparations underway were designed to ensure that Mahama begins his tenure with a clear programme and a strong continental vision.
“President Mahama’s tenure is expected to bring change and significant results because of the extensive preparations underway and his vision, characterised by a strong commitment to advancing our continent,” Ablakwa said.
Expert committee prepares Mahama’s AU agenda
As part of the preparations, Mahama established a high-level Committee of Experts to develop priorities and an action framework for his expected AU chairmanship.
According to Ablakwa, the committee has already submitted five reports to the President, including foundational action documents and a work programme intended to guide his activities once he assumes the continental position.
The approach indicates that Ghana wants Mahama’s chairmanship to begin with an established policy framework rather than relying on priorities developed after he takes office.
Mahama already has a continental role
Mahama already has experience working within the wider African institutional framework.
In addition to serving as Ghana’s president, he has held roles as an AU special envoy in areas including justice concerning Africans and people of African descent, gender equality and support for African financial institutions.
That experience could provide him with additional political and diplomatic grounding as he prepares to coordinate continental priorities involving peace, security and economic development.
ECOWAS endorses Mahama’s candidacy
Heads of state and government from ECOWAS member countries have publicly backed Mahama’s candidacy for the AU chairmanship.
The endorsement was made during the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, following earlier support from foreign ministers representing the regional bloc.
ECOWAS said its support was aimed at strengthening the voice and influence of West Africa at the continental level, particularly on peace, security and economic development.
West Africa seeks stronger influence
The AU chairmanship carries political significance because the organisation is involved in coordinating continental responses to conflicts, security challenges, economic integration and development.
For ECOWAS, backing Mahama is therefore not simply a Ghanaian initiative. It also represents an opportunity for West Africa to strengthen its influence in continental decision-making.
Mahama set to succeed Ndayishimiye
Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye currently holds the AU’s rotating chairmanship, which is shared annually among Africa’s five recognised regions.
Mahama is expected to assume the position in January 2027, provided the transition proceeds as anticipated.
His expected tenure will come at a time when the AU faces complex challenges involving armed conflicts, political instability, economic pressures and efforts to deepen African integration.
Preparing for a demanding continental agenda
The five reports submitted by the expert committee could provide the foundation for Mahama’s priorities once he takes over the AU chairmanship.
Although the Ghanaian government has not publicly detailed every recommendation contained in the reports, Ablakwa said they include initial action documents and a work programme.
The preparation suggests that Accra wants Mahama’s chairmanship to focus on measurable outcomes rather than being largely ceremonial.
Peace, security and economic integration
One of the major tests for the incoming AU leadership will be the organisation’s ability to respond collectively to security crises across the continent.
Economic integration will also remain a major priority, particularly as African countries seek to increase intra-African trade, investment and implementation of continental economic initiatives.
Mahama’s expected chairmanship could therefore place significant emphasis on building consensus among the continent’s regions while advancing common economic and security priorities.
What the AU chairmanship means for Ghana
For Ghana, assuming the AU chairmanship would provide an opportunity to increase its diplomatic influence across the continent.
It would also give Ghana a prominent platform through which West African priorities could be represented in broader continental discussions.
The early preparations suggest that Accra intends to use the opportunity to pursue a structured agenda focused on peace, security, economic development and stronger continental cooperation.
