President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has commended Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s newly elected Commonwealth Secretary-General, for elevating Ghana’s international stature and legacy.
At a ceremony held to welcome her back from the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, President Akufo-Addo praised her accomplishments and pledged Ghana’s full support for her as she embarks on this prestigious role.
“She has done a ‘yeoman’s’ job as foreign secretary, chairperson of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, and several other important international assignments have been very well delivered by this young lady.
“So, coming back here, I knew we would meet something like this and I am very happy that all of you have come out in your numbers and met her and congratulated her.
“Let us all stand together behind her and push her to do a very good job for our country. She now flies the flag of Ghana on the global stage in a way which has not been done before since our late revered diplomate Kofi Annan, the Secretary-General of the United States,” he stated.
The President urged Ghanaians to rally behind her, saying, “Let us all stand united behind her and support her in this role. This is an opportunity for Ghana to impact the world stage significantly.”
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey’s appointment as the first African woman to lead the Commonwealth marks a pivotal moment for Ghana’s diplomatic influence. She will officially assume office on April 1, 2025, succeeding Patricia Scotland.
Ghana’s Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey elected Commonwealth Secretary-General
