President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana will assume the chairmanship of the African Union (AU) next year, a move expected to elevate the country’s diplomatic influence across the continent.
The President disclosed this during the swearing-in ceremony of Ghana’s ambassadors to Japan and Ethiopia, describing the development as a major endorsement of Ghana’s leadership within the African Union system.
According to President Mahama, Ghana is currently serving as the First Vice Chair of the AU Bureau, positioning the country to take over the continental body’s leadership when it becomes West Africa’s turn to chair the Union.
“We are currently the First Vice Chair to the Bureau and next year ECOWAS has nominated us unopposed as Chair for the AU when it becomes West Africa’s term,” President Mahama stated.
He explained that Ghana’s upcoming one-year tenure as AU Chair will place increased responsibilities on the country’s diplomatic missions, especially the embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where the African Union headquarters is located.
“And so we’re going to assume a one-year chairmanship of the AU,” he added.
President Mahama noted that Ghana’s leadership comes at a crucial period for the African Union, amid ongoing discussions about the effectiveness, direction, and future priorities of the continental organisation.
He stressed the need for strong diplomatic engagement and coordination to help advance the AU’s integration and development agenda during Ghana’s tenure.
The President also urged Ghana’s ambassador to Ethiopia to prepare for heightened diplomatic activity and a demanding schedule as the country takes on the continental leadership role.
He expressed confidence in Ghana’s ability to provide effective leadership and contribute meaningfully to the African Union’s objectives during its chairmanship.
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