Mahama receives five reports ahead of Ghana’s 2027 AU chairmanship

Ghana has stepped up preparations for President John Dramani Mahama to assume the chairmanship of the African Union (AU) in January 2027, following the completion of work by a High-Level Committee of Experts established to develop a strategic agenda for his tenure.

The committee, chaired by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has submitted five reports to President Mahama outlining proposed priorities, strategies and programmes for Ghana’s leadership of the continental body.

Mr Ablakwa disclosed this in a statement after the committee formally presented its work to the President at the Presidency on Friday.

“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,” the statement said.

Mr Ablakwa, who led the committee, also presented the highlights of the reports 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,” he said.

Strategic groundwork for AU leadership

According to Mr Ablakwa, the extensive preparations are intended to ensure that Ghana’s leadership of the AU goes beyond ceremonial responsibilities and delivers concrete outcomes for the continent.

He expressed confidence that President Mahama’s tenure would be “transformative and impactful”, citing the extensive preparatory work undertaken by the committee and the President’s broader 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 completion of the committee’s mandate marks a major milestone in Ghana’s preparations ahead of the January 2027 handover.

The five reports are expected to provide the strategic foundation for the President’s continental agenda, identifying priority areas Ghana intends to champion during its tenure.

Ghana prepares a defined continental agenda

Mr Ablakwa said the government’s decision to establish the committee well ahead of the AU chairmanship reflected its determination to assume the role with clearly defined objectives.

By developing a strategy document, priority pillars and a detailed work programme in advance, Ghana hopes to begin its tenure with a clear roadmap rather than developing its agenda after assuming the chairmanship.

The process also aligns with President Mahama’s broader call for Africa to strengthen its voice in global affairs, pursue greater economic self-reliance and increase the continent’s influence over decisions affecting its future.

The Foreign Affairs Minister expressed appreciation to members of the committee for their contribution to Ghana’s continental responsibilities.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to serve Ghana and Africa,” he said.

He also conveyed the committee’s best wishes to President Mahama ahead of his assumption of the AU Chairmanship.

“The committee conveys best wishes to President Mahama when he assumes the Chair in January 2027,” Mr Ablakwa said.

He concluded with the government’s patriotic and Pan-African message: “For God, Country and Africa.”

With the committee’s work now completed and its five reports submitted, attention will shift to how the government translates the recommendations into concrete policies and programmes when Ghana assumes leadership of the African Union in January 2027.