Congratulations are pouring in from around the world for the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, following her historic election as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth by its 56 member states.
Well-wishers include President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, AU High Representative for Silencing the Guns in Africa, Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and outgoing Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland. • Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey Ms Botchwey's colleague foreign ministers have also posted congratulatory messages on social media on behalf of their countries.
The historic election took place during the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, held from October 21 to 26, 2024 between Ms Botchwey, Joshua Setipa of Lesotho and Dr Mamadou Tangara of the Gambia.
Ms Botchwey becomes the first African woman and second African national to hold this prestigious position and would succeed Baroness Patricia Scotland of the United Kingdom on April 1, 2025, embarking on a five-year term as Secretary-General.