Her election to this prestigious role makes her the first African woman to lead the 56-member intergovernmental body, which is dedicated to fostering international cooperation, democracy, and development among member states.

Ayorkor Botchwey took over from Baroness Patricia Scotland, whose tenure ended in March 2025.

Before her appointment as Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey had a distinguished political and diplomatic career.

She served as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2017 to 2024, playing a crucial role in advancing Ghana’s foreign policy agenda and strengthening diplomatic relations with nations across the globe.

Under her leadership, Ghana took on significant roles within international organisations, including the United Nations, the African Union, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

She also served as a four-term Member of Parliament for Weija Gbawe.

In her first address after her swearing-in ceremony, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her and called for a collaborative effort to strengthen the Commonwealth.

She emphasised the importance of shared values, cooperation, and collective action in addressing global challenges.

“As I take on this role, I do so with profound optimism and unwavering belief in what we can achieve together. With the support of our team at the Secretariat, drawn from all across the Commonwealth, I will work every day to honour and repay the trust and confidence which has been placed in me.

“The challenges we face are real and serious but together, we are more than equal to them. Sustained by the values that bind us, democracy, good governance, peace, human rights, and equal opportunity for all.”