Ablakwa holds talks with AU deputy chairperson on Ghana’s 2027 AU chairmanship

Story by: Regina Bless

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has held discussions with the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Her Excellency Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The meeting focused on Ghana’s priorities ahead of President John Dramani Mahama’s assumption of the Chairmanship of the African Union in 2027.

According to Ablakwa, the discussions were guided by Ghana’s AU Chairmanship Strategy Document, which was commissioned by President Mahama. The two sides also reviewed the current state of the African Union and President Mahama’s vision for advancing the objectives of the AU’s Agenda 2063.

A key area of discussion was the Reparatory Justice Agenda. Ghana and the African Union are expected to strengthen collaboration and build greater continental support for reparatory justice, following a Ghana-led United Nations resolution declaring the transatlantic enslavement of Africans the gravest crime against humanity.

Ghana and the AU are also expected to lead several initiatives in New York, including a high-level side event focusing on the Restitution Pillar of Reparatory Justice.

Ablakwa said Ambassador Haddadi commended Ghana for its preparations towards President Mahama’s 2027 AU Chairmanship, noting that the preparations were completed six months ahead of schedule. She reportedly described Ghana’s approach as a potential blueprint for future chairmanship preparations.

The meeting forms part of Ghana’s broader diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening continental cooperation, advancing African unity and supporting the implementation of the AU’s long-term development vision.

Ablakwa expressed hope that Ghana’s efforts would contribute to deeper African unity and the realisation of the vision associated with Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.