Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, has been appointed as the new Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, marking a historic leadership change for the 56-nation organization. Her selection was announced at a Commonwealth summit held in Samoa, where the discussions on reparations and colonial legacies led to heated debate.
Botchwey, one of three candidates for the role, takes on the position following a seven-year tenure as Ghana’s Foreign Minister, during which she also led Ghana’s two-year representation on the UN Security Council.
Known for advocating for free trade agreements among Commonwealth countries, Botchwey has also supported calls for reparations and recently emphasized the importance of addressing historical injustices tied to colonialism and slavery. “Financial reparations are necessary,” she stated at an event in London earlier this year.
Her appointment comes at a time when Commonwealth nations, especially from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, have intensified their calls for Britain and other European powers to address historical injustices and explore reparatory justice for the impacts of slavery and colonialism. The Bahamas’ Prime Minister, Philip Davis, remarked that a candid conversation on reparations is essential, describing it as “not an easy conversation, but an important one.”
The summit saw the British monarchy weigh in on the reparations debate as well. King Charles III, the head of the Commonwealth, urged delegates to “reject the language of division” while acknowledging the painful legacy of the past.
His comments reflected a reluctance on the part of the UK government to engage directly in discussions about reparatory justice, which many cash-strapped European governments are hesitant to pursue.
With Botchwey’s appointment, Africa resumes leadership of the Commonwealth, as the secretary-general role traditionally rotates among the Commonwealth’s geographical blocs. She will be responsible for overseeing the London-based secretariat, steering Commonwealth policies on democratic governance, climate change, education, and trade.
Expressing gratitude, Botchwey posted on social media: “Truly humbled by the overwhelming support of the Commonwealth Heads of Government in selecting me as the incoming Secretary-General. The work indeed lies ahead!”
Botchwey succeeds Dominican Baroness Patricia Scotland and will serve a four-year term, renewable once.
