Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has risen to a prestigious international role as the newly elected Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
Her election took place at the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, the capital of Samoa, positioning her as the first Ghanaian to hold this office.
Botchwey, who is 61 and a seasoned diplomat, triumphed in a competitive race against two other African candidates: Lesotho’s former trade minister, Joshua Phoho Setipa, and Gambia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mamadou Tangara.
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On Saturday, October 26, 2024, the Commonwealth confirmed her appointment, sharing on its official Facebook page;
“Today at #CHOGM2024, Commonwealth Heads of Government have selected the Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, currently the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, as the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.”
She will succeed Baroness Patricia Scotland, a Dominican-British national, whose second and final term concludes at the end of 2024.
On this achievement, President Nana Addo DankwaAkufo-Addo expressed his congratulations and pride in her accomplishment, saying, “Today, I feel a deep sense of pride and joy in congratulating Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey on her election as the next and 7th Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. As the first Ghanaian to hold this position, her selection speaks to the strength of her character and her dedication to service, as well as to the esteem in which our nation, Ghana, is held amongst her peers.
“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.
“To my fellow Heads of State and Government, I express my heartfelt gratitude 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 stated on his Facebook page.
Botchwey’s nearly two decades in diplomacy and governance have prepared her well for this role. Since 2017, she has served as Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, leading transformational initiatives in Ghana’s diplomatic services.
She established the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) to strengthen the training and working conditions of Ghanaian diplomats and has also driven the digitalization of consular and passport services, making access easier for Ghanaians at home and abroad.
Her tenure at the United Nations Security Council showcased her commitment to advancing Ghana’s foreign policy and increased her international standing.
