The member of Parliament for for North Tongu constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, extends his congratulations to Foreign Affairs Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey for expressing interest and being nominated as Ghana’s candidate for Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
In a supportive message, Ablakwa emphasizes that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) stands behind Botchwey in her pursuit of the position, highlighting a commitment to supporting Ghanaian candidates for international roles irrespective of political affiliations.
Ablakwa’s message is conveyed through his X platform on Friday, where he echoes sentiments expressed by the former President, H.E. John Mahama, emphasizing the full backing of the NDC for Botchwey. The Opposition lawmaker, also serving as the Minority spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, emphasizes the significance of rallying behind a Ghanaian nominee for international assignments.
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, has formally expressed interest in becoming the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, and her nomination is based on the understanding that the next Secretary-General would come from Africa. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo nominates Botchwey, expressing confidence in her leadership to guide Ghana in building resilient and thriving economies through international cooperation.
The election for the new Secretary-General is scheduled for October 22, 2024, during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa. The current Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, is set to conclude her second and final term at the end of 2024. President Akufo-Addo’s nomination of Botchwey is rooted in her extensive experience as a lawyer, diplomat, politician, and communications professional.
Botchwey, who has served as Ghana’s Foreign Minister for the past seven years, played a pivotal role during Ghana’s two-year tenure on the United Nations Security Council, which ended in December 2023. She chaired the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Council of Ministers for two successive terms from 2020 to 2022. Her nomination is not only backed by the African Union but also enjoys considerable support across all regions of the Commonwealth.
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The Commonwealth, an intergovernmental association, focuses on promoting democratic governance among member-states and fostering cooperation in trade, education, climate advocacy, and financial transparency. Madam Botchwey’s diverse experience, both nationally and internationally, positions her as a strong candidate for the role of Secretary-General, with the election expected to take place at the upcoming CHOGM in Samoa.
