Ghana’s former President, John Dramani Mahama, congratulated Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey on her historic election as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. Botchwey’s remarkable achievement marks a global milestone for Ghana, Africa, and women.
As the first African woman to lead the Commonwealth after Patricia Scotland, Botchwey brings extensive diplomatic experience from her position as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration since 2017. Her vision is repositioning the Commonwealth to promote economic transformation, climate resilience, good governance, and youth empowerment.
Botchwey’s leadership credentials are impressive. She successfully chaired the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, navigating complex regional reforms and democratic transitions ¹. Her tenure at the UN Security Council secured crucial funding for African Union-led Peace Support Operations.
Mahama urged Botchwey to make Ghana and Africa proud, leveraging her expertise to drive transformative change within the 56-member organization ². President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo expressed strong confidence in Botchwey’s ability to lead renewal and build resilient economies through Commonwealth cooperation.
Botchwey assumes office on April 1, 2025, succeeding Baroness Patricia Scotland. Her election underscores Ghana’s significant contributions to global diplomacy and reinforces Africa’s growing influence on the international stage.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO