Today at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (#CHOGM2024), the Commonwealth Secretariat officially announced the appointment of Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Honorable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, as the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
The historic decision, announced via a tweet from the Commonwealth’s official Twitter account, highlighted Ms. Botchwey’s extensive experience in diplomacy and regional integration, noting that her selection reflects a commitment to advancing the Commonwealth’s mission of unity, cooperation, and shared progress.
“Today at #CHOGM2024, Commonwealth Heads of Government have selected the Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, currently the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, as the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth,” the tweet read, acknowledging Botchwey’s prominent role in global affairs.
As Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Botchwey has been a leading voice on pressing issues across Africa and globally, including peacekeeping, climate resilience, and multilateral cooperation. Her appointment marks a significant milestone for Ghana and the Commonwealth, as she will be the first Ghanaian and only the third woman to hold this influential post.
As incoming Secretary-General, Ms. Botchwey is expected to lead the Commonwealth’s 56 member nations on collaborative goals, ranging from sustainable development and economic cooperation to education and human rights. Her appointment has already been widely celebrated as a step toward fostering a more inclusive and interconnected Commonwealth.
Today at #CHOGM2024, Commonwealth Heads of Government have selected the Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, currently the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, as the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. pic.twitter.com/hVUvTqlt1D
— The Commonwealth (@commonwealthsec) October 25, 2024