By Jennifer Nerkie Kenney
President John Dramani Mahama says Ghana will use its 2027 chairmanship of the African Union (AU) to push for greater continental integration, peace and a stronger African voice on the global stage.
Addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, September 24, 2026, President Mahama said Ghana would assume the AU chairmanship in January 2027, months before the country marks its 70th anniversary of independence.
He said Ghana intended to advance the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and promote peace and security across conflict zones on the continent.
“In January 2027, Ghana will proudly assume the Chairmanship of the African Union,” he said.
President Mahama said Ghana would also work towards ensuring that African countries present a united position on major issues affecting the continent.
“I wish to share notice that we intend to use our AU chairmanship to champion continental integration, accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, push for peace and security in all the conflict zones of Africa, and ensure that Africa speaks on the global stage with one strong and united and confident voice,” he said.
He linked Ghana’s planned continental role to the country’s history of supporting African liberation and integration.
President Mahama recalled Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, who declared at independence in 1957 that Ghana’s independence would be meaningless unless it was linked to the total liberation of Africa.
He said Ghana’s approach would also be grounded in its commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law, human rights and peaceful transitions of power.
President Mahama said Africa’s pursuit of a fairer global order must also be matched by stronger leadership and accountability on the continent.
“As African leaders, we must also do what is required to put our own houses in order,” he said.
He called for greater transparency and accountability, as well as a sustained fight against corruption, saying African leadership must ensure that public resources are used efficiently and effectively.
The main factual points in your draft are consistent with the published text of President Mahama’s UNGA speech, including Ghana’s January 2027 AU chairmanship and the stated priorities of continental integration, AfCFTA implementation, peace and security, and a united African voice.
