Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey
COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY-General Elect, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has vowed to dedicate herself to making the Commonwealth relevant to its people.
Speaking at a welcome event at the presidential lounge of the Kotoka International Airport yesterday, she expressed gratitude for her election, stating, “I accept my election with a deep sense of humility and honour.
I look forward to working my heart out to make the Commonwealth relevant to its people, to build on the work she [Baroness Patricia Scotland] has done with the amazing staff of the Secretariat and their partners.”
Madam Ayorkor Botchwey, who becomes the first woman from Africa to hold the position and the second consecutive woman overall, will succeed Patricia Scotland when her term ends in March. She emphasised her commitment to building on the work done by Patricia Scotland and the Secretariat staff, aiming to deepen democracy, peace, prosperity, youth development and economic progress across the Commonwealth.
With a combined population of 2.7 billion people across its 56 member countries—60% of whom are young, Ayorkor Botchwey acknowledged the diversity and resilience of the Commonwealth. “We come from different nations and cultures, but we share a common wealth of values,” she said.
She added that her vision to the Commonwealth includes promoting trade and ensuring education, skills training, and innovation for young people. She also highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change, which she described as an existential threat to the Commonwealth.
“I shall harness opportunities for transformation and enhance our global voice,” she stated, prioritising inclusive decision-making and leveraging technology to amplify marginalised voices.
Madam Ayorkor Botchwey expressed her readiness to tackle the challenges ahead, saying, “There’s a lot of work to be done… I’m prepared to roll up my sleeves and get it done. This is a win for Ghana, Africa, and the entire Commonwealth family,” she declared.
President Nana Akufo-Addo, on his part, congratulated Madam Ayorkor Botchwey and her team of dedicated officers for their effort in galvanising votes across the continent for this victory.
“Madam Secretary-General elect, new challenges await your new office, but you will surmount them with the same dedication, hard work and commitment, which have been the hallmark of your stewardship these eight years of successfully steering the shape of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.
And which has made your ministry, one of the most respected institutions in the country. Congratulations, Madam Secretary-General elect, and welcome home,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo further stated that, “As an African woman, for the first time in the history of the organisation, has taken charge of it and will try to navigate the years ahead. It’s not going to be an easy task medal, because of where we are in human history, with a lot of difficulties ahead of us, but I have absolutely no doubt that you have the qualities necessary to enable you to succeed as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.”
By Prince Fiifi Yorke