Tinubu congratulates Ghana’s Shirley Botchwey as new Commonwealth Secretary-General
By Kunle Sanni
President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to Shirley Botchwey, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, following her election as the next Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu praised Botchwey’s extensive career in public administration, foreign affairs, and regional development, describing her as an ideal fit for the Commonwealth’s top position.
Leaders from the 56 Commonwealth nations elected Botchwey, a 61-year-old former lawmaker who has served as Ghana’s foreign minister for the past seven years, during a meeting in Apia, Samoa, on Friday. She is set to take office as the 7th Secretary-General on April 1, 2025.
With this election, Botchwey becomes only the second African to hold the Commonwealth’s top position in its 75-year history, following Nigeria’s Chief Emeka Anyaoku, who served as Secretary-General from 1990 to 2000. Nigeria backed Botchwey’s bid for the prestigious role, recognizing her extensive experience and dedication to advancing regional development.
President Tinubu expressed confidence that Botchwey’s leadership will bring renewed energy to the Commonwealth’s mission of fostering meaningful economic and political partnerships.
According to the statement, Tinubu anticipates that her tenure will strengthen the Commonwealth’s influence on global issues and enhance its efforts toward peace, equity, and prosperity for all member nations.
The Nigerian President also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a Commonwealth focused on promoting intra-Commonwealth trade, African exports, and a unified front at the United Nations, supporting Africa’s longstanding aspiration for permanent representation on the Security Council.
In his remarks, President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the outgoing Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, for her years of service, and wished her success in future endeavors.