Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, has officially informed the Parliamentary Select Committee on Foreign Affairs of her nomination by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as Ghana’s candidate for the upcoming Secretary-General position of the Commonwealth.
The election for the prestigious role is slated to occur during the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled to take place in Samoa in October 2024. Madam Ayorkor Botchwey seized the opportunity to articulate her vision for the Commonwealth, outlining six key areas that she aims to prioritize to reposition the 56-member organization for the collective benefit of its diverse member nations.
Expressing her aspirations for the role, she sought the support of the Parliamentary Select Committee, emphasizing her commitment to projecting Ghana positively on the global stage. The Foreign Minister underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing the interests of the Commonwealth, urging the Committee’s backing for her candidacy.
In response to Madam Ayorkor Botchwey’s presentation, the Committee unanimously pledged unwavering support for Ghana’s nominee for the Secretary-General position. They expressed confidence that her candidacy would not only bolster Ghana’s representation but also enhance Africa’s standing in the global community.
Highlighting her extensive experience and outstanding performance in international affairs, the Committee firmly endorsed Madam Ayorkor Botchwey’s suitability for the position, citing her as an ideal candidate to lead the Commonwealth into its next chapter.
The Commonwealth, encompassing independent countries across Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and the Pacific, boasts a total population of approximately 2.5 billion. Leaders of member nations play a pivotal role in shaping Commonwealth policies and priorities, convening biennially at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting to discuss key issues and forge collaborative solutions.