Shirley Botchwey takes Office as Commonwealth Secretary-General

Ansar Ahmed Ullah
Contributing Editor,Shottobani

London: Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, former Ghanaian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, has officially assumed office as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. In her inaugural address at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters in London on 1 April, Botchwey reaffirmed her commitment to advancing the Commonwealth’s core values amid growing global tensions and shifting alliances.

As the first African woman and only the second African to lead the 56-member organisation, Botchwey takes the helm at a pivotal moment. The Commonwealth represents a third of the world’s population and over a quarter of United Nations member states.

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, she stated, “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.” Despite these challenges, Botchwey emphasised the power of Commonwealth unity. “The challenges we face are real and serious,” she noted, “but together we are more than equal to them.”

She outlined three strategic priorities for her leadership, calling them the foundation of a “Commonwealth built on all talents.”

Botchwey pledged to provide young people and women with the skills and opportunities needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving world. Secondly, she highlighted the need to strengthen trade, investment, and connectivity across member states as a means to boost industrial development and inclusive economic growth. She stressed that no country should be left behind, regardless of its size or income level. Finally, calling climate change “the greatest challenge of our time,” she vowed to push for stronger climate action and advocate for reforms in the international financial system to ensure that small and vulnerable states can access the necessary support.

Botchwey is also committed to modernising the Commonwealth by enhancing partnerships and delivering faster, smarter collaboration to meet the needs of its diverse member nations. Reflecting on her historic appointment, she said, “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.” Her speech concluded with a call to action: “Let’s move forward with purpose, with courage, and with an unshakable commitment to a Commonwealth that truly thrives together.”

Botchwey was officially appointed as Secretary-General during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa on 25 October 2024. Born in Accra, she brings a wealth of experience in diplomacy and international relations to her new role, setting the stage for a transformative chapter in the Commonwealth’s history.