By Celestine Avi and Seth Eyiah
President John Mahama has been appointed First Vice Chair of the African Union Bureau at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government held in Addis Ababa. His appointment places Ghana at the heart of continental decision-making and strengthens the country’s leadership role within the Union.
As First Vice Chair, President Mahama will support the newly elected AU Chairperson, Évariste Ndayishimiye, who succeeds Angola’s President João Lourenço for the 2026 term. President Mahama’s elevation reinforces Ghana’s longstanding commitment to Pan-African cooperation and positions the country to help shape policy direction on key continental priorities, including water security, economic integration, institutional reform, industrialisation, and youth empowerment.
The appointment comes as African leaders renew calls for solidarity, financial independence, and stronger continental influence on the global stage, an agenda in which Ghana, under President Mahama’s leadership, is now set to play a pivotal role.
Ghana’s enhanced leadership standing also aligns with its domestic push for value addition, industrial transformation, and expanded employment opportunities for young people.
As First Vice Chair, the country is expected to leverage its position to champion sustainable development, deepen regional cooperation within West Africa, and advance broader continental integration objectives.
