Shirley Ayorkor Takes Office as Commonwealth Secretary General

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the former Ghanaian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, took office as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth yesterday (1^st April 2025), pledging to promote the values of the Commonwealth Charter amid growing global tensions and shifting alliances.

Botchwey succeeds Patricia Scotland, whose nine-year term concluded in March. She is the first African woman and the second African overall to lead the association of 56 countries, which encompasses a third of the world’s population and more than a quarter of United Nations membership.

Speaking at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters in London on April 1, 2025, the new Secretary-General acknowledged the scale of the challenges facing the world.

She stated:

“The world we awoke to today is unlike any we have seen in our lifetimes. The repercussions of lower economic growth, increased defense spending, and a frayed multilateralism will directly impact our finances, raise unemployment and poverty levels, weaken social protections, and diminish our resilience to shocks.

“The significance of our Commonwealth stands out in such times. For over 75 years, the Commonwealth has functioned as a unique and powerful force for good. Now is the moment for us to seize the opportunity to achieve the transformation our societies seek.”

The Secretary-General emphasized the importance of Commonwealth unity during uncertain times. “The challenges we face are real and significant,” she expressed, “but together we are more than capable of overcoming them.”

Drawing on Commonwealth values, Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey added: “Supported by the values that unite us—democracy, good governance, peace, human rights, and equal opportunity—we will create a future where dignity, opportunity, and prosperity are attainable for all.”

A Commonwealth based on all talents

The Secretary-General outlined three strategic priorities for her leadership, which she described as the foundation for a “Commonwealth built on all talents.”

First, she expressed her commitment to providing women and young people with the skills, tools, and opportunities necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Second, the Secretary-General pledged to revitalize trade, investment, and connectivity across the Commonwealth, characterizing it as a pathway to industrial development, productivity, and inclusive growth. No country, she emphasized, should be left behind, regardless of its size or income level.

Third, referring to climate change as “the greatest challenge of our time,” she committed to mobilizing stronger actions and advocating for reforms to the international financial system to assist small and other vulnerable Commonwealth states in accessing the necessary support.

The Secretary-General also vowed to accelerate the Commonwealth’s modernization by fostering quicker and smarter partnerships to address the needs of all its people.

Reflecting on her historic journey, she remarked: “It is a tremendous honor to be the first African woman to serve as Secretary-General. Regardless of where in the Commonwealth you hail from, this path is open to you.”

The Secretary-General concluded her address with a message of shared determination, stating: “Let’s advance with purpose, courage, and an unwavering commitment to a Commonwealth that truly thrives together.”

Born in Accra, Shirley Botchwey was appointed by leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa on October 25, 2024.