Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey assumes office as Commonwealth Secretary-General

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has officially become the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

She is a former Minister for Foreign Affairs in Ghana.

Botchwey pledges to promote the values of the Commonwealth Charter. This comes at a time of rising tensions and changing alliances.

According to an official statement, she succeeds Patricia Scotland. Botchwey is the first African woman to lead the Commonwealth. She is also the second African overall to hold this position.

The Commonwealth includes 56 countries and represents a third of the world’s population. It accounts for more than a quarter of United Nations membership.

At her inauguration on April 1, she spoke at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London. She highlighted the importance of addressing global economic and political challenges.

“The world we live in today is unlike any we have seen before,” she said. She noted issues like economic downturns and increased defense spending affect employment and social protection.

Botchwey emphasized that democracy, good governance, peace, human rights, and equal opportunity are crucial values. These values are essential for responding to current challenges.

She outlined her vision for three key areas: empowering women and youth with skills, revitalizing trade for inclusive growth, and strengthening climate action for vulnerable member states.

Botchwey committed to modernizing the Commonwealth through innovative partnerships. These partnerships will address member nations' needs effectively.

Reflecting on her appointment at the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa on October 25, 2024, she expressed gratitude for this opportunity.

“It is a great honor to be the first African woman as Secretary-General,” she stated. She encouraged all Commonwealth nations to pursue shared goals for prosperity.