Ghana’s Shirley Botchwey makes history as first African woman to head Commonwealth Secretariat

London, United Kingdom:- The newly appointed Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s former Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, made history on April 1, 2025, as the first African woman and second African overall to lead the 56-member bloc.

The Commonwealth, representing over 2.5 billion people across diverse nations, constitutes a third of the world’s population and more than a quarter of the United Nations membership.

Botchwey, who assumed office on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, succeeds Patricia Scotland after the latter’s nine-year tenure ended in March 2025.

Speaking at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters in London, Botchwey acknowledged the enormous global challenges that mark her tenure.

“The world we woke up to today is unlike any we have seen in our lifetimes. The consequences of lower economic growth, increased defence expenditures, and a frayed multilateralism will affect our pockets directly, increase unemployment and poverty, reduce social protection and weaken our resilience to shocks,” she said.

The Secretary-General emphasized the enduring relevance of the Commonwealth during times of global crisis. “The value of our Commonwealth stands in bold relief, in a time like this. For over 75 years, the Commonwealth has been a unique and powerful force for good. Now we must seize the moment to realise the transformation our societies seek.”

She added that while challenges are formidable, Commonwealth unity remains a powerful tool for overcoming them. “The challenges we face are real and serious, but together we are more than equal to them.”

Drawing on the principles of the Commonwealth Charter, Botchwey reaffirmed her commitment to democracy, good governance, peace, human rights, and equal opportunity.

A Commonwealth Built on All Talents

The Secretary-General outlined three strategic priorities for her leadership, calling them the foundation for a “Commonwealth built on all talents”.

First, she pledged to equip women and young people with the skills, tools and opportunities they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

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

Third, calling climate change “the greatest challenge of our time,” she pledged to mobilise stronger action and advocate for reforms of the international financial system to help small and other vulnerable Commonwealth states access the support they need.

The Secretary-General also committed to accelerating the Commonwealth’s modernisation by delivering faster and smarter partnerships to meet the needs of all its people.

Reflecting on her own historic journey, she said: “It is a great honour to be the first African woman to serve as Secretary-General. No matter where in the Commonwealth you come from, this path is open to you.”

The Secretary-General concluded her address with a message of shared resolve, adding: “Let’s move forward with purpose, with courage, and with an unshakable commitment to a Commonwealth that truly thrives together.”

Background

Born in Accra, Ghana, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey was elected Secretary-General during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Samoa on October 25, 2024.