“I’m committed to making the Commonwealth relevant to its people” – Ayorkor Botchwey

Newly elected Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has pledged her dedication to promoting the organization’s values, describing her election as both an honor and a humbling experience.

Addressing supporters at Kotoka International Airport on October 28, Ayorkor Botchwey reflected on the responsibility of her new role, marking her as the first African woman to hold this position.

Elected during the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, she aims to strengthen democracy, peace, and economic progress across the Commonwealth, succeeding Patricia Scotland, whose term ends in March 2025.