On October 26th, the final day of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Samoa, the leaders approved the appointment of Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, currently Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana, as the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. 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 to the media, Hon. Shirley Botchwey, Commonwealth Secretary-General elect, who became the 7th Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, noted that the election, indeed, made her the second successive woman to take up the office of Commonwealth Secretary-General, after Baroness Patricia Scotland, the current office-holder. With this decision (reached by concensus), 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 the Second, 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 difference in political culture, but share a common wealth of values. Hon. Shirley 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 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 Commonwealth. Her responsibility also include systematic harnessing of existing opportunities for transformation, and enhance the organization’s global voice.
Hon. Shirley Botchwey 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, defense, security, and communications.
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,” underlined Hon. Shirley Botchwey.
Hon. Shirley Botchwey finally expressed gratitude to all and sundry, particularly to the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, her immediate boss as Foreign Minister and who later appointed her Foreign Minister. It was also announced that Antigua and Barbuda will host the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The Commonwealth will gather there in 2026.
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and sovereign states which includes 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.