Tinubu Felicitates Ghana Foreign Minister As Secretary-General Elect 

By Stephen Asaba-ase

The President of Nigeria has just congratulated Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey on her new appointment as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

Congress gathered that Presidents of the 56 Commonwealth nations convention in Apia, Samoa, on Friday, elected Botchwey as the 7th Secretary-General.

The former National Assembly Member who had also served as Ghana’s foreign minister is expected to assume office on April 1, 2025 as secretary-general of the Commonwealth after Chief Emeka Anyaoku of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to Mr President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said she had the support of Nigeria for the top commonwealth job.

“Botchwey’s extensive profession in public administration, foreign affairs and African development mold her a peck in a round hold for the job.

“He trusts that Botchwey’s leadership experience will bring renewed hope to the Commonwealth’s efforts for a sustainable economic and political partnerships that drive development and strengthen the regional voice in global matters.

However, Mr President also noted that, he looks forward to working with the incoming Botchwey to advance the Commonwealth’s vision in fostering peace, equity and prosperity for all member nations.

“The President reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to championing a Commonwealth that prioritises strengthening intra-commonwealth trade, African exports, and a unified presence at the United Nations that supports an African bid for a permanent representation at the Security Council.

“The President appreciated the outgoing Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, for her astute leadership and wishes her the best in her future undertaking,” he added.