Former President John Dramani Mahama has congratulated the country’s Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey on her election as the seventh Secretary General of the Commonwealth.
The excitement of the flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) lies in the fact that she is the second woman in succession to take that position.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, he wrote, “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.”
He also urged her to distinguish herself in the position which takes effect in April 2025.
On October 25 at the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) meeting in Apia in Samoa, the Ghanaian politician was elected to take over the mantle from Patricia Scotland, the first female to take the post.
She becomes the first African woman to take the position.
Addressing Ghana on her return to the country on October 28, Hon Ayorkor Botchwey said she was humbled by the gesture and expressed her readiness to make the Commonwealth effective.
“I look forward to working my heart out to make the Commonwealth relevant to its people and to build on the work she has done with the amazing staff of the secretariat and their partners, which makes it possible for the Commonwealth to open new chapters in our shared journey towards deepening democracy, peace and economic progress.”
In a congratulatory message, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his fellow Heads of State and Government for reposing their confidence in her.
He assured, “In choosing her, you have placed your trust in a passionate advocate for our shared values. I am confident that, with Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey at the helm, we will see the Commonwealth flourish, standing as a beacon of cooperation and strength for its people.”
“For years, I have watched her serve Ghana, Africa and the international community with unshakeable commitment and grace. Her work as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration is a testament to her devotion to bridging divides and building meaningful partnerships. She carries with her a vision of inclusivity and progress that I know will inspire the Commonwealth family, and guide it towards a future of hope and unity.”
Source:opemsuo.com