Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey Elected Commonwealth Secretary-General
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey is the first Ghanaian to serve as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth
- She is a strong proponent of reparations for transatlantic slavery
- She brings a wealth of diplomatic experience to her new position
- She has played a vital role in initiatives like the 'Year of Return' and 'Beyond the Return
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has been appointed Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, a prestigious role she will assume following her election by leaders at the recent summit in Samoa, attended by King Charles and Queen Camilla.
The 56-nation organization gathered to discuss pressing issues, including the legacies of slavery and the challenges posed by climate change, during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
“Today at #CHOGM2024, Commonwealth Heads of Government have selected Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, currently Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, as the new Secretary-General,” the Commonwealth announced on social media.
A strong advocate for reparations for transatlantic slavery and colonialism, Botchwey succeeds Patricia Scotland, who has held the position since 2016.
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association highlights her extensive experience as a lawyer, diplomat, and politician, noting her tenure as Foreign Minister of Ghana since 2017.
Her previous roles include Deputy Foreign Minister and Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, as well as four terms as a member of Ghana’s Parliament.
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has been instrumental in championing resolutions aimed at ensuring UN funding for African-led peace support operations, and she has collaborated with other ministers to promote initiatives like the ‘Year of Return’ and ‘Beyond the Return’ campaigns.
