Shirley Botchwey has made history as first African woman and second African overall to be appointed as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. She is 7th Secretary-General of Commonwealth of Nations.
Key Highlights
She was appointed by Commonwealth Heads of Government at their biennial meeting in Apia, Samoa, in 2024.
Assumed office on April 1, 2025.
Brings over 20 years of leadership experience in diplomacy, international relations, governance, and public service.
The Commonwealth consists of 56 member countries, representing one-third of the world’s population and over a quarter of the United Nations’ membership.
About Her Role as Commonwealth Secretary-General
Term: Secretary-General is nominated by Commonwealth leaders and serves a maximum of two terms of four years each.
Significance: Her appointment marks a significant milestone in African representation and leadership in global governance, reinforcing the Commonwealth’s commitment to diversity, diplomacy, and international cooperation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Promoting and protecting Commonwealth values.
- Representing the Commonwealth publicly.
- Managing the Commonwealth Secretariat, which oversees the administration and coordination of the Commonwealth’s policies and programs.
About Shirley Botchwey
- She has over two decades of experience in diplomacy, governance, and international relations.
- Served as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration from January 2017 to January 2024.
- Was a member of Ghana’s National Security Council.
About Commonwealth
The Commonwealth of Nations, commonly known as Commonwealth, is a voluntary association of 56 independent countries, most of which were formerly part of British Empire.
- Established: 1931 (modern form in 1949)
- Members: 56 countries across Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and the Pacific
- Population: Over 2.5 billion people (one-third of the world’s population)
- Head: King Charles III (symbolic role)
- Secretary-General: Leads the Commonwealth Secretariat, which coordinates activities
- Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Purpose & Objectives:
- Promote democracy, peace, and human rights
- Encourage economic development and trade
- Foster cultural and educational exchange
- Support climate action and sustainability
Major Events:
- Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) (held every two years)
- Commonwealth Games (held every four years)