CMC – Ghana’s former foreign affairs and regional integration minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has taken up the position of Commonwealth Secretary General, pledging to advance the values of the Charter of the 56-member grouping at a time of growing global tensions and shifting alliances.
Botchwey, who is 62 years old, succeeds the Dominican-born Baroness Patricia Scotland, whose nine-year term ended in March. Botchwey was appointed by Commonwealth leaders at their meeting in Samoa on October 25, last year.
“It is a great honour to be the first African woman to serve as Secretary-General. No matter where in the Commonwealth you come from, this path is open to you,” Botchwey said, adding “let’s move forward with purpose, with courage, and with an unshakable commitment to a Commonwealth that truly thrives together”.
The attorney and former diplomat is the second African national, overall, to lead the Commonwealth, which makes up a third of the world’s population and more than a quarter of the United Nations membership.
“The world we woke up to today is unlike any we have seen in our lifetimes. The consequences of lower economic growth, increased defence expenditures, and a frayed multilateralism will affect our pockets directly, increase unemployment and poverty, reduce social protection and weaken our resilience to shocks.
“The value of our Commonwealth stands in bold relief, in a time like this. For over 75 years, the Commonwealth has been a unique and powerful force for good. Now we must seize the moment to realise the transformation our societies seek,” Botchwey said on assuming office.
The challenges we face are real and serious, but together we are more than equal to them,” the new Secretary General said, highlighting the power of unity within the Commonwealth.
“Sustained by the values that bind us – democracy, good governance, peace, human rights, and equal opportunity – we will build a future in which dignity, opportunity, and prosperity are within reach for all.”
The Secretary General outlined three strategic priorities for her leadership, referring to them as the foundation for a “Commonwealth built on all talents”.
She has pledged to equip women and young people with the skills, tools and opportunities they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
She has also vowed to revitalise trade, investment and connectivity across the Commonwealth, describing it as a pathway to industrial development, productivity and inclusive growth. No country, she said, should be left behind, regardless of its size or income level.
She described climate change as “the greatest challenge of our time” and pledged to mobilise stronger action and advocate for reforms of the international financial system to help small and other vulnerable Commonwealth states access the support they need.
The Secretary General also committed to accelerating the Commonwealth’s modernisation by delivering faster and smarter partnerships to meet the needs of all its people.