President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has lavished praise on Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s newly elected Commonwealth Secretary-General, for significantly enhancing Ghana’s global reputation and legacy.
He commended her outstanding achievements as Minister of Foreign Affairs, acknowledging the pivotal role she has played in promoting Ghana’s interests on the international stage.
President Akufo-Addo also assured Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey of Ghana’s unwavering support as she assumes her new role as Commonwealth Secretary-General.
“So, coming back here, I knew we would meet something like this and I am very happy that all of you have come out in your numbers and met her and congratulated her.
“Let us all stand together behind her and push her to do a very good job for our country. She now flies the flag of Ghana on the global stage in a way which has not been done before since our late revered diplomate Kofi Annan, the Secretary-General of the United States”.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
The President stated that the Minister of Foreign Affairs has done an outstanding job as foreign secretary, and chairperson of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, and has successfully handled several other critical international assignments.
According to him, the Minister’s exceptional leadership and diplomatic skills have earned her recognition, and her accomplishments are a testament to her hard work and dedication.
Accordingly, President Akufo-Addo urged all Ghanaians to rally behind Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey as she takes on the prestigious role of Commonwealth Secretary-General.
The President emphasized that it presents a unique opportunity for the country to make a significant impact on the global stage.
Botchwey Pledges Commitment to Commonwealth
Meanwhile, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey pledged to dedicate herself to promoting the values and objectives of the Commonwealth community, showcasing her unwavering commitment to advancing the organization’s goals.
As the incoming Secretary-General, she promised to leverage her extensive experience in diplomacy, trade, and governance to reposition the Commonwealth, fulfill its aspirations, and improve the lives of its people
Ayorkor Botchwey shared her pride in the role and the immense responsibility that comes with it, describing her election as both a profound honor and a humbling experience.
“On Saturday, when heads of states at [27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting] CHOGM elected me, I accepted my election with a deep sense of humility and honor. The election makes me the second successive woman but first woman from Africa to the Office of Secretary-General after Patricia Scotland, the current officeholder whose term will come to an end in March
“I look forward to working my heart out to make the Commonwealth relevant to its people and to build on the work she has done with the amazing staff of the secretariat and their partners, which makes it possible for the Commonwealth to open new chapters in our shared journey towards deepening democracy, peace and economic progress.”
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey
Al-Wahab Eyes Botchwey’s Commonwealth Strategy
Moreover, Farouk Al-Wahab, an International Diplomatic Consultant, expressed eagerness to see how Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey will tackle her new role as Commonwealth Secretary-General, particularly in terms of representing Africa’s interests.
He emphasized that the entire continent is equally invested in her stance on key issues.
Al-Wahab expressed optimism that Botchwey will make a real impact during her tenure, rather than just continuing the stat
“The Secretary-Generalship is rotational, so after your tenure, someone else takes over”.
“Patricia Scotland completed her term and handed over to Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey. But let’s ask ourselves, what was Patricia able to accomplish beyond signing declarations?”
Farouk Al-Wahab
Accordingly, Al-Wahab called for a focus on Botchwey’s ability to deliver meaningful change, urging attention to her diplomatic prowess and vision for Africa.
“Now let’s see how Naa Shirley Ayorkor will perform in terms of role, speed, and know-how, and her diplomatic push that she brings to the Commonwealth and how she positions Africa”.
Farouk Al-Wahab
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