Ayorkor Botchwey Promises a Commonwealth for the People
The First African Woman Secretary-General Promises to Make the Commonwealth Relevant to All
- Ayorkor Botchwey is the first African woman and the second consecutive woman to lead the Commonwealth Secretariat
- She vows to make the Commonwealth’s values and objectives resonate with its people
- Ayorkor Botchwey plans to collaborate with the existing staff
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the newly elected Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, has made a passionate commitment to enhance the organization’s relevance to its members.
She vowed to fully dedicate herself to promoting the Commonwealth’s core values and objectives.
Speaking to an eager crowd at Kotoka International Airport on October 28, she expressed her pride in this significant role, viewing her election as both a great honor and a humbling responsibility.
Ayorkor Botchwey was elected at the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2024) in Apia, Samoa, on October 25.
“On Saturday, when heads of states elected me at CHOGM, I embraced this role with profound humility and honor,” she stated. “I am proud to be the first African woman and the second consecutive woman to hold this position, following Patricia Scotland, whose term will conclude in March 2025.”
She emphasized her eagerness to work diligently to ensure the Commonwealth serves its people effectively and to build upon the groundwork laid by her predecessor and the dedicated staff at the secretariat. Ayorkor Botchwey aims to foster democracy, peace, and economic development as she embarks on this pivotal journey.
