The ECOWAS Council of Ministers meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, has unanimously endorsed President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana as the sole candidate from ECOWAS for chairperson of the African Union when the rotating chairmanship gets to West Africa’s turn in 2027.

Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who announced this on Facebook on Friday, December 12, said the Authority of Heads of State and government of ECOWAS is expected to adopt this declaration on Sunday.

He extended Ghana's appreciation to the ECOWAS ministers for this decision.

"Ghana is exceedingly grateful to ECOWAS for the confidence and support for our beloved visionary and Pan-African President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama", he posted.

The AU Chairmanship involves two main roles: the Chairperson of the AU (rotating Head of State) for a year, focusing on high-level leadership, and the Chairperson of the AU Commission (CEO/Administrator), elected for four years to run daily operations, with elections requiring a two-thirds majority vote from member states.

The Chairperson of the Commission, elected by the Assembly, acts as the AU's CEO, legal representative, manages finances, implements policies, and reports to the Executive Council, driving the continental agenda

The Election process

The election of the AU Commission Chairperson follows a structured and competitive process. Candidates are first pre-screened by a Panel of Eminent Africans, which assesses their skills, experience, and overall suitability for the role.

From there, the various regional blocs nominate their preferred contenders — for instance, the Eastern Region was responsible for submitting candidates for the 2025 cycle.

In recent years, aspirants have also taken part in televised debates, using the platform to outline their vision for the continent and engage the wider African public.

The final decision, however, rests with the AU Assembly, which elects the Chairperson through a secret ballot requiring a two-thirds majority.

Ultimately, while the rotating AU Chairperson provides broad political leadership, the AUC Chairperson serves as the organisation’s operational head, driving the implementation of the AU’s vision across Africa.