Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has been elected as the next Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
The election which was done at its 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) saw the Ghanaian minister emerge as the winner amongst two other African contenders.
Ahead of the election, Shirley who is a minister under the Akufo-Addo’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) led government, also gained the support of the opposition National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) leader, John Dramani Mahama.
Her election was first announced through the Commonwealth’s social media handle on X.
“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,” it said.
In effect, she becomes only the second African to occupy the position, after a Nigerian.
The minister had ealier elaborated on her qualifications and experiences making her the best fit for the position. She also expressed her motivation to achieve the vision of the international organisation, adding that it has an enormous potential to be realised.
Having served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs since 2017, the 61-year old minister is touted a credible individual with a plethora of relevant experiences to drive the Commonwealth’s “One Resilient Common Future” and “resilient democratic institutions upholding human rights, democracy, and the rule of law” agenda.
Source: Dehotpress
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