President John Dramani Mahama has publicly signalled a key, strategic role for the founder of the United Party, Alan Kyerematen, in Ghana’s preparations to assume continental leadership, following Mr. Kyerematen’s recent endorsement by West African Heads of State as the next Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission in 2027.
The President’s intent was conveyed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who spoke at The African Summit, an event convened by Alan Kyerematen’s think tank in Accra.
The summit, held under the theme “Building A New United Africa, is focused on translating continental leadership into tangible economic and development outcomes.
Mr. Ablakwa confirmed that the endorsement was secured just last weekend from the ECOWAS heads of state, an agreement that strategically positions Ghana for a four-year term at the helm of the AU Commission starting in 2027.
This move significantly elevates Ghana’s influence in shaping Africa’s political, security, and socio-economic agenda.
The foreign affairs minister emphasised that the timing of Mr. Kyerematen’s summit was not coincidental but rather perfectly aligned with Ghana’s new continental mandate.
“He was endorsed over the weekend by ECOWAS. All the West African presidents endorsed him as the next African Union Chairperson in 2027. So this convening is very timely, very fortuitous, and he will be looking forward to the report so that he can hit the ground running in 2027 when he becomes the Chairperson of the African Union,” Mr Ablakwa stated.
The foreign affairs minister revealed that President Mahama sees the ideas and policy direction emerging from Kyerematen’s summit as critical input for Ghana’s continental strategy. The President has personally recognised Kyerematen’s ongoing commitment to African integration.
Mr. Ablakwa delivered a powerful personal message from the President to the summit convener:
“And he has asked me to tell our convener, the Honourable John Alan Kyeremanten, that he will have a very special place when he becomes AU Chairperson because of the work that he’s doing.”
This statement highlights the President’s intention to leverage Kyerematen’s expertise and long-standing focus on trade and industrialisation, areas vital to the AU’s Agenda 2063.
Mr. Ablakwa stressed that assuming the AU Commission Chairmanship requires more than just political support; it demands deep expertise and robust institutional backing.
He specifically pointed to the structures being built by Mr. Kyerematen through the Centre for Strategic African Development (CENSADEV) as essential policy infrastructure.
“So we are definitely going to need the expertise, the experience, and this very reputable organisation the Honourable John Kyeremanten has put together as Ghana prepares to assume the leadership of the African Union.”
The minister concluded by acknowledging the complex environment facing the continent, including rising terrorism and political instability, which makes the commitment to unity and development ever more pressing.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we gather at a moment of both extraordinary promise and sovereign reality.”
This development sets the stage for a period of focused national planning, with Alan Kyerematen playing a crucial role in preparing Ghana to influence the trajectory of the African continent.
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