On June 6, 2024, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, conducted a working visit to Malaysia, where she engaged in significant discussions with her Malaysian counterpart, H.E. Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan.
The two ministers, acknowledging their shared colonial heritage, focused on reinforcing bilateral relations and exploring potential collaborations in technology transfer, renewable energy, and agriculture. Their conversation also covered the exchange of best practices for the mutual benefit of both nations.
A notable highlight of the visit was Hon. Ayorkor Botchwey’s emphasis on the importance of youth engagement in governance. She underscored the necessity of addressing the concerns and aspirations of younger generations in policy-making to foster inclusive and forward-thinking governance. “This approach would position the youth as future leaders equipped to tackle the challenges of their time,” she noted.
Additionally, Hon. Ayorkor Botchwey took the opportunity to inform her Malaysian hosts about her candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. She outlined her vision for a transformational agenda aimed at building resilience to contemporary challenges such as stagnant economies, rising inequality, high youth unemployment, climate disasters, and threats to democracy and human rights.
During her visit, the Minister also met with several resident High Commissioners and Ambassadors serving in Malaysia.
