Apia: Commonwealth leaders have selected Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, as the new Secretary-General of the 56-member association. The announcement came on the final day of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Samoa, attended by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The Commonwealth, a political association with historical ties to the British Empire, confirmed Botchwey’s appointment. She will succeed Patricia Scotland, who has served in the role since 2016.
Focus on History & Reparations
King Charles acknowledged the Commonwealth’s “painful” past during his speech at the summit, emphasising the need to confront history to guide future actions.
Discussions at the summit centered on the legacy of colonialism, slavery, and the climate crisis, with growing momentum worldwide for reparations. Botchwey is known for her advocacy for reparations for transatlantic slavery and colonial injustices.
Despite pressure from Caribbean nations and the African Union, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, also attending the summit, ruled out formal apologies or reparations for Britain’s role in slavery.
Today at #CHOGM2024, Commonwealth Heads of Government have selected the Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, currently the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, as the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. pic.twitter.com/hVUvTqlt1D
— The Commonwealth (@commonwealthsec) October 25, 2024
King and Queen Bid Farewell
The royal couple concluded their visit to Samoa after participating in a farewell ceremony in the village of Siumu under heavy rain. They departed from Faleolo International Airport aboard a Royal Australian Air Force jet, following a six-day tour of Australia, where they met Indigenous leaders and engaged with local communities.
The leadership transition in the Commonwealth reflects the ongoing effort to address historical grievances while addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change and economic inequality.
IMPORTANT | McDonald’s hit by E. Coli Outbreak: Quarter Pounders under scrutiny in US
