Ayorkor Botchwey assumes office as Secretary-General of Commonwealth

Marking a historic moment for both Ghana and the African continent, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has officially assumed office as the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations,

Her election to this prestigious role makes her the first African woman to lead the 56-member intergovernmental body, which is dedicated to fostering international cooperation, democracy, and development among member states.

Ayorkor Botchwey took over from Baroness Patricia Scotland, whose tenure ended in March 2025.

Before her appointment as Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey had a distinguished political and diplomatic career.

She served as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2017 to 2024, playing a crucial role in advancing Ghana’s foreign policy agenda and strengthening diplomatic relations with nations across the globe.

Under her leadership, Ghana took on significant roles within international organisations, including the United Nations, the African Union, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

She also served as a four-term Member of Parliament for Weija Gbawe.

In her first address after her swearing-in ceremony, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her and called for a collaborative effort to strengthen the Commonwealth.

She emphasised the importance of shared values, cooperation, and collective action in addressing global challenges.

In a statement she said, “as she takes on this role, she does so with profound optimism and unwavering belief in what they can achieve together and with the support of the team at the Secretariat drawn from all across the Commonwealth, she will work every day to honour and repay the trust and confidence which has been placed in her.

The secretary added that, “the value of the Commonwealth of Nations stands in bold relief in times like this. However, for over 75 years, the Commonwealth has been a unique and powerful force for good.

This is indeed a historic moment for Ghanaians because this year marks exactly 28 years since Kofi Annan served as the 7^th Commonwealth of Nations general secretary until his tenure ended. Congratulations to Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey to her newly assumption to the office of the Commonwealth of Nations.