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Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the newly elected Commonwealth Secretary-General, made history at the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2024) in Apia, Samoa. On October 26, she became the first African woman to hold this esteemed position. Returning to Ghana, she was met with a warm and celebratory reception, symbolizing national pride in her remarkable accomplishment on the world stage.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo led the welcoming ceremony at Kotoka International Airport. He was accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, traditional leaders, and prominent figures from the New Patriotic Party (NPP). This grand reception highlighted the widespread national pride in Botchwey’s achievement.
Her nomination won over significant contenders, including Lesotho’s Senator Joshua Setipa and Dr. Mamadou Tangara of The Gambia. President Akufo-Addo and former President John Mahama both backed Botchwey’s candidacy, reflecting Ghana’s unified support across political lines for her leadership role.
Botchwey will succeed Patricia Scotland, the Baroness of Scotland from the United Kingdom, marking the start of a new chapter for the Commonwealth. As Secretary-General, she aims to bring innovative ideas and reinforce relationships between member states, with a special emphasis on regional cooperation.
A highly experienced diplomat, Ayorkor Botchwey previously served as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and as a Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom in Accra. Known for her dedication to diplomacy and integration, her election is celebrated not only in Ghana but also within the broader international community, recognizing her respected stature and commitment to advancing diplomatic ties.
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