Accra, Ghana – Ghana’s newly elected Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, arrived in Accra on Monday, October 28, 2024, to a warm reception following her historic appointment at the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa. Accompanied by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Botchwey’s return marked a milestone for Ghana on the international stage.
During a press briefing, President Akufo-Addo praised Botchwey’s achievement, calling it a significant advancement for Ghana’s diplomatic standing and urging Ghanaians to support her in her new role. He described her election as a unique opportunity for Ghana to make a global impact through her leadership in the Commonwealth.
Botchwey, who serves as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, thanked Ghanaians for their support and outlined her vision for a Commonwealth united by shared values. She cited trade, education, and skills development for youth across Commonwealth nations as key priorities and addressed the pressing issue of climate change, emphasizing the need for multilateral collaboration to address the threat it poses to member states.
She will officially assume office on April 1, 2025, succeeding H.E. Baroness Patricia Scotland.
