Keep shining, I know you will excel as always – Bawumia to Ayorkor Botchwey

• Posted on October 28, 2024October 28, 2024
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has congratulated Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey for her election as the Commonwealth Secretary-General.

Dr Bawumia said she has made Ghana proud with this achievement.

“Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, I am happy with the news about your election as the new Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.  Congratulations on making Ghana proud. Keep shining, and I know you will excel as always.  God bless our homeland, Ghana. God bless the Commonwealth of Nations,” he wrote on Facebook.

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

President Akufo-Addo extends the unwavering support of the people of Ghana.

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.

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.”