Ghana has been elected First Vice-Chair of the African Union (AU) during the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, held at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The development places Ghana in a pivotal leadership role within the continental body for 2026.
The summit, held under the theme “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” also saw President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi elected as Chairperson of the AU, taking over from Angola’s João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço.
The new Bureau of the Assembly for 2026 includes:
• Chair of the AU – Burundi (Central)
• First Vice – Ghana (West)
• Second Vice – Tanzania (East)
• Third Vice – To be confirmed (North Africa)
• Rapporteur – Angola (South)
Speaking at the summit, AU Commission Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf framed the discussions around water and sanitation as central to Africa’s development and peace, saying access to water is “a collective good that must promote both development and peace.”
He emphasized that Africa must accelerate political and economic integration under Agenda 2063, especially amid “mounting geopolitical turbulence, persistent conflicts, institutional fragility and a resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government across parts of the continent.”
H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, outgoing Chairperson from Angola, urged African leaders to ensure sustainable water availability and safe sanitation, describing it as a “political, moral and strategic priority essential for Africa’s development, public health, food security and stability.”
Reflecting on Angola’s year as Chair, he highlighted efforts in advancing Agenda 2063, mobilizing investment, and strengthening continental integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia called on African nations to shift from reacting to global events to actively shaping the global agenda, emphasizing unity, confidence, and continental influence.
He noted Ethiopia’s steps toward technological leadership, citing the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence institute and plans for an AI university.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the importance of multilateral cooperation between the UN and AU, underscoring Africa’s growing influence and the need for reform in global governance structures to reflect the continent’s priorities.
Ghana’s election as First Vice-Chair highlights its growing diplomatic influence and commitment to regional integration and continental development.
The country will now play a key role in guiding AU deliberations and supporting initiatives on water security, peace, and sustainable development across Africa.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
