Ghana has been elected First Vice Chair of the African Union (AU) for 2026, a significant development preceding President John Dramani Mahama’s anticipated assumption of the Union’s Chairmanship in 2027. This election took place during the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, held at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

At the same session, President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi was formally elected and assumed the rotating Chairpersonship of the African Union for the year 2026, succeeding President João Lourenço of Angola, who served as AU Chairperson in 2025. President Mahama’s election as First Vice Chair means he will work closely with the AU Chair, coordinating the continental body's activities and advancing its strategic priorities throughout 2026.

The Bureau of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government for 2026 is comprehensively composed to represent all five African regions. Burundi, representing Central Africa, assumes the Chairpersonship. Ghana, representing West Africa, secures the First Vice Chair position with President Mahama. Tanzania, from East Africa, takes the Second Vice Chair position. The Third Vice Chair for the North Africa Region is yet to be confirmed. Angola serves as the Rapporteur for Southern Africa, completing the diverse composition of the bureau.

The 39th AU Summit was held under the crucial theme: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.” In his opening address, outgoing AU Chairperson João Lourenço underscored the urgent need for accelerated action to ensure sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems across the continent. He emphasized that access to water is a political, moral, and strategic priority, critical for Africa’s overall development, public health, food security, and stability.

Echoing these sentiments, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf addressed the Assembly, framing the summit around the 2026 theme of water and sanitation. He described access to water as a shared public good essential for both development and peace. Youssouf also highlighted that the meeting occurred amidst increasing geopolitical turbulence, marked by persistent conflicts, institutional fragility, and a resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government in various parts of the continent. Against a backdrop of weakening multilateralism and rising global polarization, he urged Member States to accelerate political and economic integration in line with the vision of Agenda 2063.

The summit also featured renewed calls for robust African solidarity, greater financial independence for the AU, comprehensive institutional reform, and stronger collective action to address the myriad peace and security challenges plaguing the continent. Commission Chair Youssouf made a strong plea for a collective push to shape the global agenda. Historically, Ghana has played prominent roles in AU affairs, with former President John Kufuor having served as AU Chair in 2007, further solidifying Ghana's continued influence within the Union.