I’m confident your leadership will deepen cooperation & solidarity within Commonwealth – Zambia President tells Ayorkor Botchwey

President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, has expressed confidence that the newly elected  Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey will deepen cooperation and solidarity within the commonwealth.

President Hichilema wished Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and regional integration the best in her new assignment.

In a post on his X page, he said “Hearty congratulations to H.E  @NAkufoAddo  of Ghana on the election of the Hon.  @AyorkorBotchwey  as Commonwealth SG. Confident that her leadership will deepen cooperation & solidarity within  @commonwealthsec ’s 56 member nations. Wishing Madam Botchwey the best in her new role.”

In a post on his X page, he said “My warmest congratulations to Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Shirley @AyorkorBotchwey  upon her selection as incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth at the just ended #CHOGM2024 Summit in Apia, Samoa. I look forward to growing our partnership from the strong basis laid by @PScotlandCSG  whose leadership I commend.”

My warmest congratulations to Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Shirley @AyorkorBotchwey upon her selection as incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth at the just ended #CHOGM2024 Summit in Apia, Samoa. I look forward to growing our partnership from the strong basis…

— Moussa Faki Mahamat (@AUC_MoussaFaki) October 26, 2024

Madam Ayorkor Botchwey won the hotly contested Commonwealth Secretary-General elections with an overwhelming majority from the Heads of Government who cast their votes at a retreat in Apia.

Ghana’s President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo assured Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey of the support of Ghanaians in succeeding in her new role.

President Akufo-Addin a post on his Facebook page said “Today, I feel a deep sense of pride and joy in congratulating Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway on her election as the next and 7th Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. As the first Ghanaian to hold this position, her selection speaks to the strength of her character and her dedication to service, as well as to the esteem in which our nation, Ghana, is held amongst her peers.

“For years, I have watched her serve Ghana, Africa and the international community with unshakeable commitment and grace. Her work as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration is a testament to her devotion to bridging divides and building meaningful partnerships. She carries with her a vision of inclusivity and progress that I know will inspire the Commonwealth family, and guide it towards a future of hope and unity.”

To my fellow Heads of State and Government, he added “I express my heartfelt gratitude for this resounding vote of confidence in Ghana’s candidate. In choosing her, you have placed your trust in a passionate advocate for our shared values. I am confident that, with Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway at the helm, we will see the Commonwealth flourish, standing as a beacon of cooperation and strength for its people.

“I express our sincere appreciation to the outgoing Secretary-General, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, KC, for her outstanding service to the Commonwealth and its organisations. We wish her God’s blessings and the best of luck in all her future endeavours. I thank also Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afe and the people and the government of this beautiful Pacific island of Samoa, for the warm hospitality extended to the Ghanaian and other delegations at this 27th CHOGM. As Hon. Ayorkor Botchwey steps into this new chapter, I extend the unwavering support of the people of Ghana. We all look forward to the brighter, more resilient Commonwealth that she will help to build, one rooted in the values we cherish.”

“I’m honoured and humbled by the trust of Commonwealth leaders. A lot of work lies ahead. But together, we shall work for a New Commonwealth that works for all its citizens,” she said in a separate post.

An artwork posted on the X page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated ” Grateful to Commonwealth leaders for their trust.”