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Ghana’s Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has been selected as the new Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, becoming only the second African and the second woman to hold the position.
Leaders announced her appointment on Friday at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, following a tight contest with candidates Senator Joshua Setipa of Lesotho and Dr. Mamadou Tangara of The Gambia.
Congratulations Hon Minister @AyokorBotchwey on being selected #Commonwealth Secretary General!
It’s been a privilege to work with you as Foreign Minister and now looks forward to working with you as Commonwealth SG. https://t.co/k91JK3oHep
— Harriet Thompson (@HCThompson001) October 25, 2024
Botchwey, a seasoned diplomat, lawyer, and politician, steps into the role at a critical time as Commonwealth nations navigate complex challenges, including climate change and geopolitical instability. This year’s summit, the first since Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in 2022 and the first presided over by King Charles III, gathered leaders under the theme “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth.”
The agenda centers on strengthening democratic institutions, upholding human rights, and addressing climate issues that acutely impact small island states.
In accepting the role, Botchwey highlighted her ambition to unlock the Commonwealth’s “enormous potential for its 2.68 billion citizens” and pledged to bring a “resilient, forward-looking vision” to the Secretariat.
“I’ve put myself forward because I care about the Commonwealth and its diverse peoples. I’ve the leadership skills, networks, and determination to achieve meaningful change,” she stated, emphasising her commitment to democratic values, sustainable development, and inclusivity.
Botchwey’s international experience is extensive. Most recently, as Ghana’s Foreign Minister, she oversaw the country’s tenure on the UN Security Council (2021-2023), leading the passage of Resolution 27/19, which ensures UN funding for Africa-led peace support operations—a landmark achievement in peace and security on the continent.
As chair of ECOWAS Council of Ministers, she also championed democratic governance, actively working to prevent coups and enforce ECOWAS’s protocols on democracy and good governance.
It is my honour to pass the baton to my dear sister, the Hon Shirley @AyorkorBotchwey, who will succeed me as the next Commonwealth Secretary-General.
She will be uniquely blessed, as I have been, to hold this office and serve our precious Commonwealth. pic.twitter.com/mYtErlsuyD
— Patricia Scotland KC (@PScotlandCSG) October 25, 2024
Her appointment has generated optimism among member nations, especially as she aims to drive initiatives that empower the Commonwealth’s youthful population, more than 60 percent of whom are under the age of 30. Botchwey emphasized her commitment to youth empowerment, saying, “We must equip our young people to be part of sustainable solutions, from economic development to climate action.”
The Commonwealth’s global footprint spans 56 independent states, including both advanced economies and smaller developing nations. The Secretariat, under Botchwey’s leadership, is expected to support member countries in strengthening governance, promoting human rights, and addressing shared threats such as debt, climate change, and inequality.
With a network of over 80 intergovernmental and civil society organizations, the Commonwealth Secretariat provides strategic support to foster economic growth, trade, and national resilience among member states. Botchwey’s track record of diplomatic achievements and her vision for an inclusive, impactful Commonwealth suggest a proactive leadership approach to advance the bloc’s role as a force for global cooperation and positive change.
Source: Daily Mail GH
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