Ayorkor Botchwey: A New Chapter for the Commonwealth

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the recently appointed Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, has reiterated her steadfast commitment to enhancing the organization's relevance for its member nations. She has pledged to fully immerse herself in the promotion of the Commonwealth’s core values and objectives.

Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd at Kotoka International Airport on Monday, October 28, Ayorkor Botchwey expressed both pride and the weight of responsibility that her new role entails. She characterized her election as a significant honor and a moment of great humility.

Her appointment came during the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2024), which took place in Apia, Samoa, on Friday, October 25.

“Upon my election on Saturday by the heads of state at CHOGM, I embraced the role with a profound sense of honor and humility. I am proud to be the second consecutive woman and the first African woman to hold the position of Secretary-General, following Patricia Scotland, whose term will conclude in March,” she stated.

Ayorkor Botchwey conveyed her eagerness to work diligently to ensure the Commonwealth's significance for its citizens, building upon the strong foundation established by her predecessor and the dedicated staff of the secretariat. “Together, we will embark on new initiatives that will enhance democracy, peace, and economic development across our nations,” she emphasized.

The election, which took place amidst discussions on pressing global challenges, marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first African woman to lead the Commonwealth Secretariat. She will take over from Patricia Scotland, who has been in office since 2016 and is set to conclude her tenure in March 2025.