She takes over from Patricia Scotland, who became the first woman to hold the position in 2015. Patricia Scotland expressed her delight at being succeeded by another woman and affirmed her confidence that Botchwey would achieve much in advancing the Commonwealth
'It is an honor to pass on the leadership to my sister Shirley Ayorkor, who will succeed me as Commonwealth Secretary General. May she find the same fulfillment I did in leading and serving this esteemed organization,' Scotland said in a statement.
Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, joined others in wishing Shirley Ayorkor success in her new role.
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, on her part, thanked the Commonwealth leaders who entrusted her with this position, pledging to enhance cooperation that would enable them to achieve their shared goals.
'I am honored with the confidence placed in me by the Commonwealth leadership. Together, we will continue our work and create a new Commonwealth that serves the interests of all its citizens,' she said.
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has held various roles, including chairing the ECOWAS Council of Ministers.
During her tenure, she advised ECOWAS Heads of State and governments on various pathways to achieving peace and security in the Sahel region, reforming some democracy and governance agreements, making changes to the ECOWAS Commission, budget adjustments, and more.
She also participated in discussions aimed at transitioning power to civilians in West African countries affected by coups since 2020, such as Guinea and Burkina Faso, and was one of the mediators appointed by ECOWAS for Mali.
A seasoned diplomat, she previously served as Ghana's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs under President John Agyekum Kufuor from 2006-2009.
In Ghana, she is credited with contributing to the country's strong international reputation under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's leadership.
She also served as Deputy Minister of Information from 2005-2006 and Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry from 2007-2008.
Botchwey was also a member of the ECOWAS Parliament, where she chaired various committees, including those focused on gender and children's issues to promote inclusivity.
Before joining politics, Shirley Ayorkor led a marketing and communications firm, served as an advisor in the Ministry of Tourism, and worked in several other organizations.
She holds a Master's degree in Project Management, another Master's in Communications, a Bachelor's degree in Law, and an undergraduate degree in Public Relations and Marketing.
The mother of two completed most of her education in Ghana and the UK at the University of London and the University of Westminster.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/ghanaian-shirley-ayorkor-botchwey-elected-new-common-wealth-sg
