United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has pledged the UN’s full support to President John Dramani Mahama as he prepares for Ghana’s expected assumption of the African Union (AU) chairmanship in 2027.
The assurance follows a unanimous endorsement by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, the regional bloc’s highest decision-making organ, of President Mahama’s candidature for the AU chairmanship.
The pledge was made when the two leaders met on Friday, February 14, on the sidelines of the 39th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Beyond the AU leadership transition, the bilateral talks also focused on some of Africa’s most pressing security and governance concerns, including the deteriorating situation in the Sahel and renewed efforts to strengthen democratic governance across the continent.
Mr Guterres commended Ghana’s demonstrated leadership role, particularly within the West African subregion, and noted that the country is expected to play a critical part in addressing emerging regional threats.
Peace and stability in the Sahel featured prominently in the discussions, with particular attention on the volatile security situation in member states of the Alliance of Sahelian States (AES).
President Mahama briefed the UN chief on his ongoing diplomatic engagements aimed at mediating tensions and restoring calm in the troubled region.
At the end of the meeting, Mr Guterres presented President Mahama with a special gift a copy of the United Nations Charter in all six official UN languages.
