The newly-elected Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, who takes office in April 2025 has described her election as a victory for the nation, Ghana. The position of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth is for a duration of 4-years, renewable for another term only.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration arrived in Ghana on Monday, October 28, 2024 to a rousing welcome, as some Ghanaians had thronged the Jubilee Lounge of the Kotoka International Airport to celebrate her.
She addressed the media at the airport, where she expressed her gratitude to God for victory, calling it a triumph not just for Ghana but for Africa and the Commonwealth as a whole.
“This indeed is a win for Ghana, Africa and the whole of the Commonwealth family,” she said.
She continued that “Let me begin by thanking God for this great victory. My team and I have crossed the length and breadth of five continents campaigning and the Almighty has kept us safe and sound. The labour has not been in vain.”
She singled out President Akufo-Addo, whom she called Mr. P, for taking center stage of her campaign.
She said President Akufo-Addo campaigned among all the member states and “even non-Commonwealth members,” a revelation that caused laughter.
Ayorkor also thanked her campaign team, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, her staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ghanaians as a whole, for their contributions.
ELECTION
The election took place last Saturday, October 26, 2024 in Apia, the capital of Samoa, where heads of government from the 56-member Commonwealth voted decisively in favour of Ghana’s candidate.
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey is the second consecutive and first African woman to be elected to the prestigious role, taking up the office as successor to Patricia Scotland, whose term concludes in March 2025.
COMMITMENT
The former Member of Parliament for Anyaa/Sowutuowm said she was taking on the role with a clear vision for the Commonwealth. She outlined her commitment to making the association relevant to its 2.7 billion people, 60% of whom are youth.
Her priorities include promoting trade, advancing education and skills training for the youth and addressing climate change. She also mentioned that she has plans to leverage artificial intelligence.
“I shall harness opportunities for transformation and enhance our global voice,” she stated, pledging to work closely with member states and multilateral institutions to address these pressing issues.
As she prepares to assume office on April 1, 2025 Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey called on Ghanaians and Commonwealth members alike, for their support and prayers in this new chapter.
COMMONWEALTH
The Commonwealth, originally formed in 1949, is a political association of mostly former British Empire territories that champions shared values, democracy, and human rights. Ghana was the first African nation to join the Commonwealth upon gaining independence in 1957.
HAPPY DAY
President Akufo-Addo, who arrived in Ghana yesterday with his appointee, the Foreign Affairs Minister, also spoke to the press at the Jubilee Lounge.
“Today is a very happy day for all Ghanaians, irrespective of political affiliation. This achievement shows the respect and recognition Ghana has earned on the world stage.
“The Commonwealth, as you know, is an association of 2.7 billion people – a third of mankind,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo recalled the historical role of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, in establishing the Commonwealth Secretariat, alongside Uganda’s Milton Obote and Trinidad and Tobago’s Dr. Eric Wialliams and added that “today, the same Secretariat will be led by a Ghanaian.”
