The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has unanimously endorsed the candidature of Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, for the position of Chairperson of the African Union.

The endorsement was granted at the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority, held in Abuja, Nigeria, and reflects a strong regional consensus behind President Mahama’s bid for the continent’s top political leadership role. The decision follows an earlier show of support by ECOWAS Ministers of Foreign Affairs, who also unanimously backed his candidature during a preparatory meeting in the Nigerian capital.

Regional leaders described President Mahama as an experienced statesman with a proven track record in democratic governance, conflict resolution, and regional integration. They noted his previous service as Chair of ECOWAS and his extensive engagement in peace-building and mediation efforts across Africa as key strengths that position him well to lead the African Union at a critical time.

The endorsement by ECOWAS significantly boosts President Mahama’s campaign ahead of the upcoming African Union elections, as West Africa’s unified backing is expected to carry considerable weight among other regional blocs on the continent.

If elected, President Mahama would be tasked with steering the African Union’s agenda on peace and security, economic integration, democratic governance, and Africa’s engagement with global partners, at a time of heightened geopolitical and security challenges across the continent.