We look forward to a brighter, more resilient Commonwealth under Ayorkor Botchwey – Akufo-Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assured Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the newly-elected  Commonwealth Secretary-General of the support of Ghanaians to succeed in her new role.

President Akufo-Addo extends the unwavering support of the people of Ghana.

Madam Ayorkor Botchwey won the hotly contested Commonwealth Secretary-General elections with an overwhelming majority from the Heads of Government who cast their votes at a retreat in Apia.

President Akufo-Addin a post on his Facebook page said “Today, I feel a deep sense of pride and joy in congratulating Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway on her election as the next and 7th Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. As the first Ghanaian to hold this position, her selection speaks to the strength of her character and her dedication to service, as well as to the esteem in which our nation, Ghana, is held amongst her peers.

“For years, I have watched her serve Ghana, Africa and the international community with unshakeable commitment and grace. Her work as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration is a testament to her devotion to bridging divides and building meaningful partnerships. She carries with her a vision of inclusivity and progress that I know will inspire the Commonwealth family, and guide it towards a future of hope and unity.”

To my fellow Heads of State and Government, he added “I express my heartfelt gratitude for this resounding vote of confidence in Ghana’s candidate. In choosing her, you have placed your trust in a passionate advocate for our shared values. I am confident that, with Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway at the helm, we will see the Commonwealth flourish, standing as a beacon of cooperation and strength for its people.

“I express our sincere appreciation to the outgoing Secretary-General, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, KC, for her outstanding service to the Commonwealth and its organisations. We wish her God’s blessings and the best of luck in all her future endeavours. I thank also Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afe and the people and the government of this beautiful Pacific island of Samoa, for the warm hospitality extended to the Ghanaian and other delegations at this 27th CHOGM. As Hon. Ayorkor Botchwey steps into this new chapter, I extend the unwavering support of the people of Ghana. We all look forward to the brighter, more resilient Commonwealth that she will help to build, one rooted in the values we cherish.”

For her part, Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey indicated that the work lied ahead following her election as Commonwealth Secretary-General.

In a post on her X page, she said “Truly humbled by the overwhelming support of the Commonwealth Heads of Government in selecting me as the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. The work indeed lies ahead!”

“I’m honoured and humbled by the trust of Commonwealth leaders. A lot of work lies ahead. But together, we shall work for a New Commonwealth that works for all its citizens,” she said in a separate post.

An artwork posted on the X page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated ” Grateful to Commonwealth leaders for their trust.”

 

INCOMING SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH pic.twitter.com/xYIKFaT8OC

— Ghana MFA (@GhanaMFA) October 26, 2024

In a post on X by the official handle of the Secretariat, @commonwealthsec, the minister was selected by the Commonwealth Heads of Government at the meeting.

“Today at #CHOGM2024, Commonwealth Heads of Government have selected the Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, currently the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, as the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth,” the post read.

 

Today at #CHOGM2024, Commonwealth Heads of Government have selected the Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, currently the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, as the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. pic.twitter.com/hVUvTqlt1D

— The Commonwealth (@commonwealthsec) October 25, 2024

The outgoing Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland in a post on her X page said “It is my honour to pass the baton to my dear sister, the Hon Shirley @AyorkorBotchwey , who will succeed me as the next Commonwealth Secretary-General. She will be uniquely blessed, as I have been, to hold this office and serve our precious Commonwealth.”

 

It is my honour to pass the baton to my dear sister, the Hon Shirley @AyorkorBotchwey, who will succeed me as the next Commonwealth Secretary-General.

She will be uniquely blessed, as I have been, to hold this office and serve our precious Commonwealth. pic.twitter.com/mYtErlsuyD

— Patricia Scotland KC (@PScotlandCSG) October 25, 2024

 

 

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