Ghana’s President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has left Accra for Samoa to attend the 27th Heads of States and Governments of the Commonwealth meeting, scheduled from October 21 to 26, 2024. The primary objective of this gathering is to elect a new Secretary-General for the Commonwealth [1).
Ghana’s Minister of Regional Integration and Foreign Affairs, Shirley Oyorkor Botchwey, is vying for the top position, competing against candidates from The Gambia and Lesotho. With 56 Heads of States from the Commonwealth set to cast their votes, President Akufo-Addo’s presence aims to rally support for Botchwey ¹.
According to Information Minister Fatimatu Abubakar, Ghana’s formidable membership in the Commonwealth and Botchwey’s exceptional diplomatic record make her an ideal candidate. Abubakar praised Botchwey’s vision for climate resilience, economic transformation, and leveraging technology to empower youth ¹.
*Botchwey’s Qualifications*
– Served as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration since 2017 ²
– Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, and Member of Parliament ² ³
– Chairperson of ECOWAS Council of Ministers ³
*The Commonwealth Meeting*
– Promotes multi-lateral relations and networks among 56 independent member States ¹
– Facilitates trade and investments ¹
– Discusses key issues, including youth and sports, during breakfast meetings ¹
Ghanaian women are expected to draw inspiration from Botchwey’s bold bid for the Commonwealth’s top leadership position. Will she become the first African female Secretary-General? The outcome of the election will be eagerly awaited.
