Akufo-Addo leaves for Samoa to support Foreign Minister

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has left Accra for Samoa in the South Pacific Ocean, to participate in the 27th Heads of States and Governments of the Commonwealth.

The meeting will take place from Monday, 21st to Thursday, 26th October, 2024, to elect the new Secretary-General for the Commonwealth.

Ghana’s Minister of Regional Integration and Foreign Affairs, Madam Shirley Oyorkor Botchwey, is contesting for the Office of the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth with two other contestants from The Gambia and Lesotho.

The Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, during an interview with the media on Saturday, said 56 Heads of State from the Commonwealth will vote to choose the next Secretary-General.

In that regard, President Akufo-Addo left Accra for Samoa to participate and canvas for votes for Ghana’s candidate, Ms Shirley Oyorkor Botchwey.

Fatimatu Abubakar said Ghana is a formidable member of the Commonwealth and is hopeful that Ms Oyorkor Botchwey would get the nod to lead the Association as its Secretary-General.

“Madam Shirley Oyorkor Botchwey over the years, has distinguished herself in various committees she had the opportunity to serve within the diplomatic circles.

“She is contesting with other contestants from other African countries- The Gambia and Lesotho. We are confident that she is bringing it home and I am hopeful that she will become the first African female Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

“I’m inspired by her vision to help achieve climate resilience to promote economic transformation through increased trade and investments. She is also going to leverage technology to create opportunities for our youth,” the Information Minister stated.

The Information Minister noted that Shirley Oyorkor Botchwey has been a very big voice for developing nations and is optimistic that if she gets the mandate it would create a network and promote trade and Investments on the African continent.

Madam Fatimatu said she would participate in the breakfast meetings to discuss many pertinent issues including youth and sports.

The meeting will promote multi-lateral relations and networks among the 56 independent member States of the Commonwealth to facilitate trade and investments.

The Minister was of the belief that Ghanaian women would take inspiration from Oyorkor Botchwey’s bold step to lead the Commonwealth.