The Commonwealth of Nations has appointed Ghana’s foreign minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, as its new Secretary General, concluding a contentious summit in Samoa on Saturday. The Commonwealth, a voluntary association primarily comprising former British colonies, is led by King Charles III, but the Secretary General oversees the organization’s London-based secretariat.
Botchwey emerged victorious among three candidates who advocated for addressing the legacy of colonialism and slavery. She has been Ghana’s foreign minister for the past seven years and played a significant role in the country’s two-year tenure on the UN Security Council, which concludes in December 2023. She has previously expressed her commitment to drafting a free trade agreement among Commonwealth nations and has been vocal about supporting reparations for the historical injustices of slavery.
“Financial reparations is good,” she stated at an event in London earlier this year, underscoring her dedication to this cause.
The role of the Commonwealth Secretary General allows for a maximum of two four-year terms, and Botchwey will succeed Dominican Baroness Patricia Scotland. The position traditionally rotates among the four geographical blocs of the Commonwealth: the Pacific, Asia, Europe, and Africa, with Africa currently holding the turn.
Following her appointment, Botchwey expressed her gratitude on social media, stating she was “truly humbled by the overwhelming support of the Commonwealth Heads of Government.” She acknowledged the work that lies ahead in promoting democratic governance, trade cooperation, education, climate advocacy, and financial transparency.
The summit in Samoa, originally intended to focus on climate change, became embroiled in discussions about reparations for slavery. Many African, Caribbean, and Pacific nations are pushing for Britain and other European powers to offer financial compensation or at least engage in discussions about reparatory justice. This issue remains a sensitive topic, as the UK government has been cautious in addressing it.
Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Philip Davis, highlighted the importance of confronting historical injustices, stating, “The time has come to have a real dialogue about how we address these historical wrongs.” He emphasized the deep, generational wounds slavery has left in communities and the ongoing fight for justice.
Despite the pressure, King Charles III refrained from issuing an apology during the summit, instead encouraging delegates to “reject the language of division.” He acknowledged the lasting impact of the Commonwealth’s painful history, stating, “I understand, from listening to people across the Commonwealth, how the most painful aspects of our past continue to resonate.”
Botchwey’s appointment marks a significant moment for the Commonwealth as it navigates the complexities of its historical legacy and the path toward a more equitable future.