Ablakwa leads 13-member committee tasked to shape Mahama’s agenda as 2027 AU chairman

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is leading a high-level committee of experts tasked with preparing an African Union (AU) strategy and implementation document for President John Dramani Mahama ahead of Ghana’s 2027 chairmanship of the continental body.

The committee is expected to help shape the priorities and programmes that will guide President Mahama’s tenure as AU Chairman.

Ghana is preparing to assume the rotating chairmanship in 2027 after ECOWAS heads of state unanimously endorsed President Mahama for the position in December 2025.

“A high level committee of experts has been working on an African Union Strategy and Implementation Document for President John Mahama’s consideration as President Mahama prepares to Chair the African Union from January next year,” Okudzeto Ablakwa said in a social media post on Friday, August 14.

The committee includes former diplomat Mohamed Ibn Chambas, former AU Commission Deputy Chairperson Kwasi Quartey and Ambassador Chris Kpodo.

Other members include Ambassador Amma A. Twum-Amoah, Dr Delese Mimi Darko, Ambassador William Awinador-Kanyirige, Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, Dr Edem Adzogenu, Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu, Ambassador Francis D. Kotia, Dr Obodai Torto and Clarence Amoatey.

Okudzeto Ablakwa said President Mahama was determined to use the chairmanship to deliver meaningful results for Africans and called on the committee members to contribute their expertise to the process.

“President Mahama is determined to have an impactful and transformative tenure as African Union Chairman from day one so he can meet the legitimate expectations of 1.5 billion Africans,” he said.

President Mahama has previously indicated that Ghana intends to prioritise the campaign for reparations for historical injustices against Africa during its tenure.

He has also identified gender equality and the welfare of children as areas Ghana intends to promote, while building on its advocacy for reparations at the AU and the United Nations.

President Mahama currently serves as the First Vice-Chair of the AU Bureau and is expected to take over the rotating chairmanship in January 2027.