Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has been elected as the new Secretary-General of the Commonwealth at the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2024) in Apia, Samoa.
Madam Botchwey, who was selected as the preferred candidate after competing with Senator Joshua Setipa of Lesotho and Dr. Mamadou Tangara of The Gambia, will succeed Patricia Scotland of the United Kingdom.
The Foreign Affairs Minister has served in the UN Security Council from 2021 to 2023. She also served as chair of ECOWAS Council of Ministers, and played a critical role in regional stability initiatives in the prevention of military coups.
Madam Botchwey, who was appointed on the closing day of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, will serve a maximum of two terms of four years each.
Madam Ayorkor Botchwey, who becomes the first Ghanaian and African woman to hold this office, acknowledged on social media the Commonwealth’s untapped potential and her commitment to the organisation’s future, and looks forward to driving forward her vision and the shared goals of Commonwealth states.
President Akufo-Addo, in a congratulatory message to her, expressed his confidence in her ability to lead the Commonwealth nations for cooperation and ability to build resilience representing Ghana in various committees at the regional level.
“For years, I have watched her serve Ghana, Africa and the international community with unshakeable commitment and grace. Her work as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration is a testament to her devotion to bridging divides and building meaningful partnerships. She carries with her a vision of inclusivity and progress that I know will inspire the Commonwealth family, and guide it towards a future of hope and unity,” President Akufo-Addo said.
He expressed gratitude to fellow heads of state and government, for this resounding vote of confidence in Ghana’s candidate.
“In choosing her, you have placed your trust in a passionate advocate for our shared values. I am confident that, with Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey at the helm, we will see the Commonwealth flourish, standing as a beacon of cooperation and strength for its people,” he added.
President Akufo-Addo also expressed his sincere appreciation to the outgoing Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland KC, for her outstanding service to the Commonwealth and its organisations.
“We wish her God’s blessings and the best of luck in all her future endeavours. I thank also Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and the people and the government of this beautiful Pacific island of Samoa, for the warm hospitality extended to the Ghanaian and other delegations at this 27th CHOGM,” he added.
The minister, prior to her selection, highlighted her commitment to serve the diverse group of people, with a vision to also harness the collective power for shared growth and resilience.
Baroness Scotland, immediate past Secretary-General, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) said, “It is my honour to pass the baton to my dear sister, the Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, who will succeed me as the next Commonwealth Secretary-General.”
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, also congratulated Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey on her election as the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
According to President Tinubu, Madam Botchwey had the backing of Nigeria for the top Commonwealth job.
The Nigerian leader believes that Madam Botchwey’s extensive career in public administration, foreign affairs and regional development makes her a perfect fit for the job.
“He trusts that Botchwey’s leadership experience will bring renewed energy to the Commonwealth’s efforts to advance meaningful economic and political partnerships that drive development and amplify the bloc’s voice in global affairs,” a statement from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President said.
Madam Botchwey, who takes over from Patricia Scotland, who has held the position since 2016, was strongly backed by President Akufo-Addo and 56 heads of state at the summit who were optimistic about her ability to continue with the work started by her predecessor.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah