Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, former Ghanaian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, assumed office as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth yesterday, pledging to advance the values of the Commonwealth Charter at a time of growing global tensions and shifting alliances.
Botchwey succeeds Patricia Scotland, whose nine-year term ended in March. She is the first African woman – the second African overall – to lead the association of 56 countries, which make up a third of the world’s population and more than a quarter of the United Nations membership.
Speaking at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters in London on April 1, 2025, the Secretary-General acknowledged the scale of the challenges confronting the world.
“The world we woke up to today is unlike any we have seen in our lifetimes. The consequences of lower economic growth, increased defense expenditures, and frayed multilateralism will affect our pockets directly, increase unemployment and poverty, reduce social protection, and weaken our resilience to shocks,” she said.
“The value of our Commonwealth stands in bold relief in a time like this. For over 75 years, the Commonwealth has been a unique and powerful force for good. Now we must seize the moment to realise the transformation our societies seek.”
The Secretary-General highlighted the power of Commonwealth unity in uncertain times. “The challenges we face are real and serious,” she said, “but together, we are more than equal to them.”
Drawing on Commonwealth values, Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey added: “Sustained by the values that bind us – democracy, good governance, peace, human rights, and equal opportunity – we will build a future in which dignity, opportunity, and prosperity are within reach for all.”
A Commonwealth built on all talents
The Secretary-General outlined three strategic priorities for her leadership, calling them the foundation for a “Commonwealth built on all talents”.
First, she pledged to equip women and young people with the skills, tools, and opportunities they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Second, the Secretary-General vowed to revitalise trade, investment, and connectivity across the Commonwealth, describing it as a pathway to industrial development, productivity, and inclusive growth. No country, she stressed, should be left behind, regardless of its size or income level.
Third, calling climate change “the greatest challenge of our time,” she pledged to mobilise stronger action and advocate for reforms of the international financial system to help small and other vulnerable Commonwealth states access the support they need.
The Secretary-General also committed to accelerating the Commonwealth’s modernisation by delivering faster and smarter partnerships to meet the needs of all its people.
Reflecting on her historic journey, she said: “It is a great honour to be the first African woman to serve as Secretary-General. No matter where in the Commonwealth you come from, this path is open to you.”
The Secretary-General concluded her address with a message of shared resolve, adding: “Let’s move forward with purpose, with courage, and with an unshakable commitment to a Commonwealth that truly thrives together.”
Born in Accra, Shirley Botchwey was appointed by leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa on 25 October 2024.
Career and leadership
Before her appointment, she served as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration from January 2017 to January 2024 and was a member of Ghana’s National Security Council. Her tenure was marked by significant reforms in foreign policy delivery, which strengthened Ghana’s diplomatic footprint and introduced transformative improvements in consular services through digitisation and innovation.
As Foreign Minister, she chaired the Council of Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) from 2020 to 2022, leading strategic responses to security crises, democratic transitions, and regional institutional reform. She played a key role in the passage of landmark UN Security Council Resolution 2667 in 2022, enabling the financing of African Union-led peace operations — a historic achievement during Ghana’s tenure as a non-permanent member of the Council.
She also helped secure UN Resolution 2634, which addressed piracy and maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, and was instrumental in shaping Ghana’s high-profile “Year of Return” and “Beyond the Return” initiatives, strengthening cultural and economic ties with the global African diaspora.
Earlier in her career, she served as Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Information, and Trade and Industry during President John Agyekum Kufuor’s administration (2001–2009). From 2005 to 2021, she was a Member of Parliament for the Weija and later Anyaa-Sowutuom constituencies, representing the largest population base in Ghana’s legislature across four consecutive terms.
Prior to entering politics, Shirley Botchwey led a successful marketing and communications firm and served as a consultant in the tourism sector.