Former President and National Democratic Congress (NDC) Flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has extended his congratulations to Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, following her historic election as the Commonwealth Secretary-General.
In a message on X, Mahama encouraged Ayorkor Botchwey to make Ghana and Africa proud in her new role.
“Congratulations Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey on your election as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. You will be joining a special group of diplomats to help make the Commonwealth and the world a better place. I am particularly excited that after Patricia Scotland, we have another distinguished female at the head of the Commonwealth. Make Ghana and Africa proud with your leadership of the 56-member Organisation,” Mahama stated.
Ayorkor Botchwey’s appointment, confirmed at the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2024) held in Apia, Samoa, marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first Ghanaian and African woman to lead the 56-member Commonwealth. She succeeds Patricia Scotland, Baroness Scotland of the United Kingdom, who had held the position since 2016.
Emerging as the top candidate after a rigorous selection process against contenders such as Senator Joshua Setipa of Lesotho and Dr. Mamadou Tangara of The Gambia, Botchwey expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged her dedication to the organization. In her acceptance speech, she underscored the importance of the Commonwealth’s mission, calling it “the most consequential body after the UN,” and voiced her intent to serve with purpose.
“I care deeply about the Commonwealth and its diverse people,” she said. “I am committed to strengthening the organization’s influence to drive prosperity and resilience for its 2.68 billion citizens.” Botchwey outlined her priorities, including fortifying democratic institutions, championing human rights, and addressing climate change, with a focus on aiding small and island nations.
Her goals align with this year’s CHOGM theme, “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming Our Common Wealth,” signaling a future-focused agenda for the Commonwealth.
Ayorkor Botchwey’s new position marks a proud moment for Ghana, as citizens, leaders, and well-wishers rally behind her with hopes that her tenure will positively impact the global stage.








