The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, leaders announced the historic selection of Honourable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, as the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. This appointment marks a significant milestone, with Botchwey becoming the first African woman to lead the organization, which represents 2.7 billion people across 56 nations.

Expressing her gratitude, Botchwey said, “I’m honoured and humbled by the trust of Commonwealth leaders. A lot of work lies ahead. But together, we shall work for a New Commonwealth that works for all its citizens.” She further remarked, “Truly humbled by the overwhelming support of the Commonwealth Heads of Government in selecting me as the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. The work indeed lies ahead!”

The Commonwealth, a voluntary association of independent and equal sovereign states, represents diverse member nations, ranging from advanced economies to small island states, with 60 percent of the population under 29. With a focus on building democratic institutions, promoting justice, fostering trade, and addressing global challenges such as climate change, debt, and inequality, the Commonwealth Secretariat provides vital support to all members.

Botchwey’s appointment comes with high expectations as the Commonwealth continues to pursue its mission of empowering young people, strengthening governance, and fostering economic resilience in a rapidly changing world.

“It is my honour to pass the baton to my dear sister, the Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey who will succeed me as the next Commonwealth Secretary-General. She will be uniquely blessed, as I have been, to hold this office and serve our precious Commonwealth.” wrote the outgoing Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland KC

Honourable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey is a lawyer and politician who has served as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration since 2017. She has a wealth of experience in diplomacy that goes back almost two decades, to 2005. During President John Kufuor’s administration, she served as Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs for four years. Before that, she held the positions of Deputy Minister for Information and Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry…READ MORE