Ghana’s President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has thrown his support behind Raila Odinga, Kenya’s opposition leader, in his bid for the African Union (AU) Chairperson position, as revealed by President William Ruto during his recent visit to Ghana to bolster diplomatic relations between Nairobi and Accra.
During the visit, Ruto highlighted the AU’s decision in March, which mandates that the next AU Chairperson would come from an East African state.
Ruto stated, “On 15th March 2024, the African Union Executive Council unanimously decided that candidates for the position of the next Chairperson of the Africa Union Commission would be nominated by the Eastern African regional States…”
Expressing gratitude to President Akufo-Addo, Ruto stated, “Your excellency (Nana), my Dear Brother, I thank you most sincerely for accepting to support Kenya’s candidature for the position of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (2025-2028)…”
Ruto emphasized Kenya’s endorsement of Raila, citing the country’s commitment to the Pan-African Agenda. He remarked, “Kenya’s candidature is informed by our leading role in enhancing and sustaining the Pan-African Agenda in terms of independence and sovereignty, peace and security, development and prosperity…”
Raila Odinga, in February, expressed confidence in securing the AU chairperson position, citing endorsements from various East African Presidents and beyond.
He stated, “I met Ruto and Museveni, I went to get Museveni’s vote, then I met Ruto. They agreed that they will vote for me…”
Raila also mentioned plans to engage with other African leaders, including Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, stating, “Next week I will meet Kagame, Mama Suluhu has said she will support me, Salva Kiir has accepted.
The other day I was with Ramaphosa, he said yes, Tshisekedi has said yes…”
By endorsing Raila Odinga’s candidacy, Ghana joins a growing list of African nations supporting Kenya’s nominee for the AU Chairperson position, marking a significant development in the regional diplomatic landscape.