The flagbearer of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Dramani Mahama has lauded Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, on her groundbreaking election as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

Ms. Botchwey, selected during the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, on Sunday, 27 October 2024, becomes the first African woman to lead the 56-nation bloc, a milestone celebrated across Ghana and the continent.

Mr. Mahama expressed his pride in Botchwey’s achievement, commending her years of service to Ghana and her adept diplomatic skills.

“Congratulations Shirley Ayorkor Botchway 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,” Mr. Mahama shared in a Facebook post on October 29.

He added: “I am particularly excited that after Patricia Scotland, we have another distinguished female at the head of the Commonwealth.”

Ms. Botchwey’s appointment marks the transition from outgoing Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, Baroness Scotland of the United Kingdom, and ushers in new expectations of deeper cooperation within the Commonwealth, especially with a focus on Africa’s development goals.

As Secretary-General, Botchwey will lead initiatives aimed at fostering peace, democracy, and sustainable development among member states, while navigating the complex global issues facing the Commonwealth community.

In her role, Ms. Botchwey is anticipated to strengthen Commonwealth ties, elevating collaboration and addressing pressing challenges collectively.