Akufo-Addo hails Ayorkor Botchwey as she becomes first Ghanaian to lead Commonwealth

Accra, Ghana - October 26, 2024 - Ghana's President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has congratulated the country's foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey on her historic election as the 7th Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and the first African female to hold the position.

In a statement posted on his X account, President Akufo-Addo expressed his pride and joy, highlighting Botchwey's strength of character and dedication to service. He noted that her selection is a testament to the esteem in which Ghana is held among its peers, making her the first Ghanaian to hold this prestigious position.

''Today, I feel a deep sense of pride and joy in congratulating Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway on her election as the next and 7th Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. As the first Ghanaian to hold this position, her selection speaks to the strength of her character and her dedication to service, as well as to the esteem in which our nation, Ghana, is held amongst her peers.

For years, I have watched her serve Ghana, Africa and the international community with unshakeable commitment and grace. Her work as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration is a testament to her devotion to bridging divides and building meaningful partnerships. She carries with her a vision of inclusivity and progress that I know will inspire the Commonwealth family, and guide it towards a future of hope and unity.

To my fellow Heads of State and Government, I express my heartfelt gratitude for this resounding vote of confidence in Ghana’s candidate. In choosing her, you have placed your trust in a passionate advocate for our shared values. I am confident that, with Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway at the helm, we will see the Commonwealth flourish, standing as a beacon of cooperation and strength for its people.

I express our sincere appreciation to the outgoing Secretary-General, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, KC, for her outstanding service to the Commonwealth and its organisations. We wish her God’s blessings and the best of luck in all her future endeavours. I thank also Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afe and the people and the government of this beautiful Pacific island of Samoa, for the warm hospitality extended to the Ghanaian and other delegations at this 27th CHOGM.

As Hon. Ayorkor Botchwey steps into this new chapter, I extend the unwavering support of the people of Ghana. We all look forward to the brighter, more resilient Commonwealth that she will help to build, one rooted in the values we cherish.''

As the second African to hold this prestigious position, after Chief Emeka Anyaoku of Nigeria, Ayorkor Botchwey brings a wealth of experience to the table. Her impressive diplomatic career spans over two decades, with notable achievements such as leading Ghana's tenure at the UN Security Council and championing reforms within the ECOWAS Commission.

Source: Lead News Online