President Bola Tinubu has extended heartfelt congratulations to Shirley Botchwey, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, on her election as the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
Botchwey’s appointment makes her the second African to hold this position in the Commonwealth’s 75-year history, following Chief Emeka Anyaoku of Nigeria, who served from July 1, 1990, to March 31, 2000.
Botchwey was elected as the 7th Secretary-General by leaders of the 56 Commonwealth nations meeting in Apia, Samoa. She is expected to assume office on April 1, 2025, bringing with her extensive experience as Ghana’s foreign minister for the past seven years.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed his confidence in Botchwey’s abilities.
“He trusts that Botchwey’s leadership experience will bring renewed energy to the Commonwealth’s efforts to advance meaningful economic and political partnerships that drive development and amplify the bloc’s voice in global affairs.”
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to championing a Commonwealth that prioritizes strengthening intra-Commonwealth trade, African exports, and a unified presence at the United Nations, supporting an African bid for permanent representation at the Security Council.
The President also thanked outgoing Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, for her leadership and wished her the best in her future endeavors.
