|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Virginia E. Palmer has lauded Ghanaian Foreign Affairs Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey for her landmark appointment as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, marking the first time an African woman has held the position in the organisation’s 75-year history.
Palmer took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate Botchwey, describing the moment as “wondrous” for Ghana, Africa, and the Commonwealth.
“Congratulations to my friend @GhanaMFA @ayorkorbotchwey on her historic selection as the first African woman to lead the 56 nation @CommonwealthSec at #CHOGMSamoa2024. This is a wondrous moment for Ghana, for Africa and for the #Commonwealth,” Palmer tweeted.
Congratulations to my friend @GhanaMFA @ayorkorbotchwey on her historic selection as the first African woman to lead the 56 nation @CommonwealthSec at #CHOGMSamoa2024. This is a wondrous moment for Ghana, for Africa and for the #Commonwealth. – #USAmbPalmer pic.twitter.com/JCBzmEcPHj
— U.S. Embassy Ghana (@USEmbassyGhana) October 26, 2024
Botchwey’s selection as Secretary-General was announced at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa and has been hailed across Africa as a step forward for both regional and gender representation. Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo praised the decision as “a testament to Ghana’s growing role on the global stage.”
Ghana’s achievements in diplomacy and Botchwey’s extensive experience in international affairs, he noted, make her a strong advocate for unity and reform within the 56-nation bloc.
With over six years as Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Botchwey has been a steadfast voice on African affairs within the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). She has also advocated for women’s leadership across the continent, a commitment that Commonwealth officials say she is well-positioned to expand globally in her new role.
As the Commonwealth faces complex challenges, from climate change to post-pandemic economic recovery, Botchwey’s background is expected to strengthen collaboration among member nations. Her role will be pivotal in shaping initiatives aimed at sustainable development and digital transformation, issues high on the Commonwealth’s agenda.
Source: Daily Mail GH
Email Daily Mail GH: stories@dailymailgh.com or
Whatsapp: +233(0)509928122
