President John Mahama has announced plans to appoint former Trade Minister Alan John Kyerematen to a significant role within the African Union, as Ghana prepares to assume the AU Chairmanship in 2027. This endorsement, secured over the weekend from ECOWAS heads of state, sets the stage for Ghana to take a more influential role in shaping Africa’s political and socio-economic agenda.
Speaking on behalf of the President at the African Summit in Accra, Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa described the timing of the endorsement as particularly strategic.
Alan Kyerematen, Executive Director at the Centre for Strategic African Development (CENSADEV), played a major role in organising the summit, which aimed to promote African unity.
Minister Ablakwa further revealed that President Mahama has conveyed a personal message of recognition to Kyerematen, emphasizing that his work on African integration will not go unnoticed.
“He has asked me to tell our convener, the Honourable John Alan Kyerematen, that he will have a very special place when he becomes AU Chairperson because of the work he’s doing,” Ablakwa said.
He stressed that Ghana’s leadership at the African Union will require deep expertise, institutional strength, and credible policy input. The structures being built by Kyerematen through CENSADEV will be essential to this effort.
“So, we are definitely going to need the expertise, the experience, and this very reputable organisation the Honourable John Kyerematen has put together as Ghana prepares to assume the leadership of the African Union.”
