ASWIM congratulates Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey

The Association of Women in the Media (ASWIM), an association of female journalists and media practitioners, has congratulated the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, on her election as Secretary-General-elect of the Commonwealth.

ASWIM in a statement signed and issued by its President, Mavis Kitcher, eulogised the service delivered by the Foreign Minister which had culminated in her election.

“Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Madam Botchwey, brings an exceptional wealth of experience, commitment, and vision to this distinguished role, becoming the first African woman to hold this prestigious position,” it said.

The statement indicated that the Commonwealth, which encompassed 33 small states and island nations and a population of 2.7 billion people across advanced economies and developing nations, would benefit from Madam Botchwey’s leadership.

It stated that the election highlighted the influence and potential of African women in global governance, marking a significant milestone for the country and a testament to the impactful contributions of women in international leadership.

ASWIM expressed confidence in the leadership of the incoming Secretary-General, stating that “her leadership will advance the Commonwealth's mission of cooperation, peace-building, and sustainable development, fostering unity across its 56 member states.”

It also apraised Madam Botchwey for exemplifying “outstanding leadership and advocacy, spearheading Ghana’s role on the world stage, promoting regional security, economic growth, and international partnerships”.

ASWIM eulogised Madam Botchwey for leading Ghana's delegation to the United Nations General Assembly on three occasions, getting it elected to the UN Security Council for 2019-2020; and also representing the country in 2018 in signing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

It added that her leadership had “enhanced Ghana's partnerships globally, including with the European Union, China, and the United States,” stating that “her tenure as Chair of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers during critical periods has equipped her to manage the complexities of global diplomacy”.

The association indicated that Madam Botchwey’s victory as the 7th Secretary-General of the Commonwealth would inspire women in the media and beyond.

Trajectory, commitment

ASWIM added that her achievements had made her a role model for women in leadership and public service across Africa and the globe.

“Ms Botchwey's outstanding achievements underscore her dedication to public service, diplomacy, and women's empowerment.

“Moreover, as a staunch advocate for gender equality, she launched the "Women in Diplomacy" programme to empower young women in Ghana,” it said.

The association expressed commitment to supporting the Foreign Affairs Minister in delivering on her six strategic pillars, on which she framed her vision for the Commonwealth in the lead-up to her election as Secretary-General.

These strategic pillars were, “democracy and good governance, human rights, peace and security, sustainable development, Inclusive and Equitable Development and Commonwealth Values and Identity”.