Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, former Ghanaian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, assumed office as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth yesterday, pledging to advance the values of the Commonwealth Charter at a time of growing global tensions and shifting alliances. Speaking at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters in London on 1 April 2025, the Secretary-General acknowledged the scale of the challenges confronting the world. Reflecting on her own historic journey, she said:“It is a great honour to be the first African woman to serve as Secretary-General. Follow updates from Secretary-General Hon Shirley Botchwey on X and Facebook. Read Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey’s profileFollow Secretary-General on social mediaSecretary-General on X Secretary-General on Facebook Secretary-General photosMedia contact