<\/p>\n
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged Ghanaians to rally behind Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the newly elected Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, to ensure her success in her new role.<\/p>\n
During a welcome ceremony at the Kotoka International Airport on Monday, October 28, the President emphasized the importance of national support to enable Ayorkor Botchwey to fulfil her mandate for the Commonwealth and Africa.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s all stand together behind her and push her to do a very good job for our country\u201d, he added.<\/p>\n
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, who will succeed Patricia Scotland, is set to begin her tenure on April 1, 2025.<\/p>\n
President Akufo-Addo praised Ayorkor Botchwey for her appointment, acknowledging her significant contributions as Ghana\u2019s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and as Chairperson of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers.<\/p>\n
He highlighted her capabilities, saying, \u201cThe Commonwealth will now be headed by a Ghanaian woman and I have no doubt that you have the qualities necessary to enable you to succeed as Secretary-General.<\/p>\n
He added \u201cIt is these qualities that persuaded me to support your candidature as Secretary General\u2026She has done a yeoman\u2019s job as foreign secretary and ECOWAS Chairperson for Council Ministers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ayorkor Botchwey was warmly welcomed by the President, government officials, and the media upon her return from the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Samoa, where she was elected on Saturday, October 26, 2024.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019m committed to making the Commonwealth relevant to its people\u201d \u2013 Ayorkor Botchwey<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n