At the final day of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, leaders appointed Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey as the next Commonwealth Secretary-General, succeeding Patricia Scotland.
Botchwey, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, accepted the role with gratitude, saying, “I’m honoured and humbled by the trust of Commonwealth leaders… Together, we shall work for a New Commonwealth that works for all its citizens.”
Outgoing Secretary-General Scotland warmly congratulated Botchwey, acknowledging the significance of another woman in this pivotal role. “It is my honour to pass the baton to Shirley,” Scotland shared. She also praised Samoa’s hospitality, reflecting on the island’s warmth and the meeting’s success.
Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa received commendations from international leaders, including Malaysia’s Mohamad Hasan, for organizing this historic event. Scotland humorously warned Samoa to “check their luggage” as Mataʻafa’s leadership has garnered global admiration.