Ghana has stepped up preparations for President John Dramani Mahama’s assumption of the African Union (AU) Chairmanship in January 2027, following the completion of the work of a High-Level Committee of Experts established to develop a strategic framework for his tenure.
The committee, chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has concluded its mandate and submitted five reports to President Mahama outlining proposed priorities, strategies and programmes for Ghana’s leadership of the continental organisation. The reports are expected to form the basis of Ghana’s agenda when President Mahama assumes the rotating AU Chairmanship next year, providing a structured framework for the country to pursue its objectives and champion issues of continental importance.
Mr Ablakwa disclosed the development in a statement following the formal handover of the committee’s work to President Mahama at the Presidency on Friday. According to the minister, President Mahama established the High-Level Committee of Experts specifically to undertake extensive preparatory work ahead of his AU Chairmanship. The committee was tasked with developing a Strategy Document, Priority Pillars and a Work Programme to guide the President during his tenure as Chair of the African Union.
“The High-Level Committee of Experts established by President John Mahama to put together a Strategy Document, Priority Pillars and a Work Programme for President Mahama’s 2027 African Union Chairmanship has concluded its mandate and presented Five Reports to President Mahama,” Mr Ablakwa said. He personally presented the highlights of the committee’s work to the President during the handover ceremony.
“It was an honour to hand over the report to President Mahama at the Presidency on Friday as Chair of the Committee and to present highlights,” the minister stated. The completion of the committee’s work represents a major preparatory milestone for Ghana as it gets ready to assume a prominent leadership position within the AU. Rather than waiting until the beginning of the chairmanship to formulate its agenda, the government has sought to establish its priorities and programmes in advance.
Mr Ablakwa indicated that the extensive preparation was intended to ensure that Ghana’s leadership of the continental body would go beyond the ceremonial responsibilities associated with the position. He expressed confidence that President Mahama’s tenure would be “transformative and impactful”, citing the rigorous preparatory process and what he described as the President’s bold vision for Africa.
“President Mahama’s tenure is expected to be transformative and impactful due to the rigorous preparatory work underway and his bold vision for our continent,” he said. The five reports are expected to provide the strategic foundation for Ghana’s priorities throughout the 2027 AU Chairmanship. They are also expected to guide the programmes and initiatives the country will seek to advance at the continental level during the period.
The preparation of the reports reflects the government’s intention to use Ghana’s leadership of the AU to promote a clearly defined African agenda. By identifying priority areas and developing a work programme before the commencement of the chairmanship, Ghana is seeking to ensure that its continental leadership is guided by specific objectives and measurable areas of focus.
The process is also consistent with President Mahama’s broader emphasis on strengthening Africa’s voice in global affairs and increasing the continent’s ability to influence decisions that affect its development and future. Ghana’s anticipated leadership of the AU comes at a time when African countries continue to face a range of challenges requiring stronger continental cooperation, including economic development, security, regional integration and Africa’s position in global decision-making.
The government is therefore expected to use the AU platform to advance issues that align with Ghana’s foreign policy objectives while contributing to broader continental priorities. Mr Ablakwa expressed appreciation to members of the High-Level Committee for their contribution to the preparatory process and the opportunity to serve Ghana and Africa. “We are grateful for the opportunity to serve Ghana and Africa,” he said.
The minister also conveyed the committee’s best wishes to President Mahama as he prepares to assume the AU Chairmanship in January 2027. “The committee conveys best wishes to President Mahama when he assumes the Chair in January 2027,” he stated. He concluded the statement with the government’s patriotic and pan-African refrain: “For God, Country and Africa.”
With the committee’s mandate now completed and its five reports formally submitted, attention will shift to the next stage of preparations for Ghana’s AU leadership. President Mahama and his administration will be expected to consider the recommendations contained in the reports and translate them into concrete policies, initiatives and programmes for implementation during the 2027 chairmanship.
The submission of the reports therefore marks the transition from the preparatory phase to the development and implementation of Ghana’s continental agenda. As January 2027 approaches, the government is expected to intensify diplomatic engagements and other preparations to ensure that Ghana enters the AU Chairmanship with clearly defined priorities and a coordinated strategy for advancing its vision for Africa.
By: Philbert Amiba Ayuusah