Ghana’s Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey Appointed New Commonwealth Secretary-General

At the conclusion of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, was appointed as the new Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. Botchwey, who has held the position of foreign minister since 2017 and is a trained lawyer, expressed her gratitude on social media, stating she was “truly humbled” by the selection and acknowledging the work that lies ahead.

Botchwey’s appointment comes amid ongoing discussions regarding reparations for the transatlantic slave trade, a stance she shares with the two other candidates who contested for the position. During the summit, leaders emphasized the need for “meaningful, truthful, and respectful conversations” about reparatory justice for the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans.

Although the UK government has refrained from offering an official apology or committing to reparations, there are indications that it may support alternative forms of reparative justice, such as debt relief and restructuring financial institutions.

In a previous debate at London’s Chatham House, Botchwey advocated for reparations, asserting that the Commonwealth could present a united front on this issue if member states sought a “common voice.” She emphasized that reparatory justice encompasses not only financial restitution but also support to combat climate change and enhance economic resilience.

In her role as foreign minister, Botchwey has actively participated in regional and global governance, having chaired the Council of Ministers for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and overseen Ghana’s two-year tenure on the UN Security Council, which concluded in December 2023.

Botchwey succeeds Patricia Scotland, who has served in the role since 2016. The Secretary-General is nominated by Commonwealth leaders and can serve up to two four-year terms.