President John Dramani Mahama has pledged that Ghana will use its upcoming chairmanship of the African Union (AU) to advance continental integration and accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Addressing the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, September 24, 2026, President Mahama said Ghana would use its AU leadership to promote stronger cooperation among African countries and advance the continent’s integration agenda.
Ghana is scheduled to assume the Chairmanship of the African Union in January 2027, a milestone President Mahama said would provide an opportunity to champion key continental priorities.
“We will use our AU Chairmanship to champion continental integration, accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA, push for peace and security in conflict zones, and ensure that Africa speaks on the global stage with one resolute, undivided, and confident voice,” he said.
President Mahama also highlighted the importance of the AfCFTA in driving intra-African trade, structural transformation and industrial growth.
He noted that Ghana is proud to host the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra, describing the agreement as “our engine for intra-African trade, structural transformation, and industrial growth.”
The President said Ghana’s AU chairmanship would also focus on peace and security in conflict-affected areas while seeking to strengthen Africa’s collective voice on the global stage.
His remarks came as he outlined Ghana’s broader position on the need for a more equitable global order and greater African participation in global decision-making.
President Mahama said Africa must speak with “one resolute, undivided, and confident voice” as the continent seeks to advance its interests and strengthen continental cooperation.
