President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed profound pride and joy at the election of Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey as the 7th Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

In a congratulatory message directed to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, President Akufo-Addo praised her character and dedication, emphasising that her hard work has been rewarded with this well-deserved recognition.

“Today, I feel a deep sense of pride and joy in congratulating Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey 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,” the President stated on his X account.

The Minister’s appointment was officially announced during the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2024), held in Apia, Samoa, on Friday, 25 October 2024.

The President also expressed gratitude to fellow Commonwealth Heads of State for their confidence in Ms. Botchwey’s candidacy.

“To my fellow Heads of State and Government, 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 Botchwey at the helm, we will see the Commonwealth flourish, standing as a beacon of cooperation and strength for its people,” he added.

President Akufo-Addo further acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing Secretary-General, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, KC, commending her for her dedicated service.

“I express our sincere appreciation to the outgoing Secretary-General 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.”

He also thanked Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afe and the people of Samoa for their warm hospitality during the 27th CHOGM, highlighting the spirit of cooperation among member nations.