Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has made history as the first African woman elected Commonwealth Secretary-General, a groundbreaking moment announced at the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2024) in Apia, Samoa.

Upon her return to Ghana on October 26, Miss Botchwey was warmly celebrated in a ceremony led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at Kotoka International Airport.

Her homecoming marked a moment of national pride, joined by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, traditional leaders, and key New Patriotic Party (NPP) figures, who came together to honour her global accomplishment.

Ms. Botchwey’s election, which saw her secure the position over prominent candidates like Lesotho’s Senator Joshua Setipa and Dr. Mamadou Tangara of The Gambia, drew support from across Ghana's political spectrum, including backing from both President Akufo-Addo and former President John Mahama.

This united front underscored Ghana’s commitment to her candidacy and her leadership potential within the Commonwealth.

As Botchwey steps into this esteemed role, she succeeds Patricia Scotland, Baroness of Scotland from the United Kingdom.

She brings with her a wealth of experience from her previous role as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and her time as a Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom in Accra.

Known for her diplomatic acumen and dedication to regional integration, Ms Botchwey aims to foster innovation and reinforce intergovernmental cooperation across the Commonwealth, with a focus on strengthening regional alliances.

Her election is widely celebrated, not only in Ghana but also within the global diplomatic community, recognizing her commitment to advancing international relations and her influential voice in the world of diplomacy.