Former President John Dramani Mahama has congratulated the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey on her election as the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
Mr Mahama urged her to make Ghana and Africa proud in her new role.
“Congratulations Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey on your election as Secretary General of the Commonwealth. You will be joining a special group of diplomats to help make the Commonwealth and the world a better place. I am particularly excited that after Patricia Scotland, we have another distinguished female at the head of the Commonwealth. Make Ghana and Africa proud with your leadership of the 56-member Organisation,” the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) wrote on Facebook.
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 Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo assured Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey of the support of Ghanaians in succeeding in her new role.
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.
“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.”
