Ghana’s Foreign Minister Emerges Commonwealth Secretary-General

By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh

Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has been appointed as the new Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

Her appointment was at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Samoa, which ended on Saturday, October 26, 2024. She became the 7th scribe of the group.

At the gathering, leaders further reaffirmed their commitment to tackling global economic, environmental and security challenges, while exploring ways to enhance resilience, sustainable trade and inclusive growth and emphasising the empowerment of youth and women.

In a statement, Ms Botchwey noted that the election, indeed, made her the second successive woman to take up the position after Baroness Patricia Scotland, the current office-holder.

With this decision (reached by consensus), the Heads of Government have continued the tradition of making this organization one that makes history.

Thus, it is fitting, to pay tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, the former head of the Commonwealth, whose legendary wisdom, and calm, yet courageous stewardship for 70 years exemplified the potential of women’s leadership.

“But this is not to deny the stewardship prospects of King Charles the Third, under whose leadership I look forward to working, alongside that of the Heads of Government and Board, as well as with other Commonwealth affiliate organizations,” she stressed in her statement.

According to her, this occasion marks a new chapter in the shared journey towards deepening democracy, peace, prosperity, and economic progress.

As she takes up the role, she was inspired by the diversity and resilience of the member states. These different states have distinctive differences in political culture, but share a common wealth of values.

Ms Botchwey expressed her vision is to build on these strengths, promoting trade, education, skills development and innovation for the teeming numbers of young people across the Commonwealth.

She, however, promised to provide leadership and work tirelessly with member-states, and in collaboration with other international multilateral institutions, towards addressing climate change which presents a clear existential threat to the Commonwealth.

Her responsibility also includes systematic harnessing of existing opportunities for transformation, and enhancing the organization’s global voice.

She further pledged to prioritize inclusive and effective decision-making, leveraging technology to bridge gaps and amplify marginalized voices, capitalizing on her extensive experience in diplomacy, trade, defence, security, and communications.

Ms Botchwey said she recognizes the fact that she has to effectively mobilize resources and efficiently manage them for the benefit of the Commonwealth.

“Together, we can achieve climate resilience, promote economic transformation, and leverage technology to create opportunities for our young people.

“We can deepen democracy, good governance, intra-Commonwealth trade, build resilient and thriving societies, and resource our organization better,” she stated.

Ms Botchwey expressed gratitude to all and sundry, particularly to President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana.

The next meeting is to be hosted by Antigua and Barbuda in 2026.

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and sovereign states which include both advanced economies and developing countries.

It supports member countries to build democratic and inclusive institutions, strengthen governance and promote justice and human rights. The secretariat helps to grow economies and boost trade, deliver national resilience, empower young people, and address threats such as climate change, debt and inequality.