(Commonwealth)_ Commonwealth and international dignitaries gathered at Lancaster House in London to officially welcome Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey as the seventh Commonwealth Secretary-General. It was a triumphant moment in the history of the Commonwealth as it ushered in a new era of leadership and vision.
Attendees were a diverse group of high-profile figures such as the UK’s Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon David Lammy, and ministers and senior officials from member countries of the Commonwealth. The attendees also included the traditional Akwamu chief of Ghana, representative of the strong cultural and diplomatic connections involved. Also in attendance were Commonwealth High Commissioners, officials of accredited and affiliated Commonwealth organisations, diplomats, development partners, and leading representatives of business, culture, and civil society. The variety and standing of the guests reflected the Commonwealth’s international presence and the importance being placed upon this change of leadership.
The reception was organized by the GUBA Foundation, whose sponsorship was a demonstration of commitment to the Commonwealth’s common values. It provided the new Secretary-General with an early opportunity to meet face-to-face with principal actors and forge partnerships essential to delivering her transformative agenda.
As the first female from Africa and only the second individual from the African continent to hold the position, Secretary-General Botchwey’s appointment is a first for the 56-member organisation. Her appointment is made at a time when the international community is dealing with complicated issues from geopolitical rivalries to inequalities and climate change. Her vision highly prioritises unity, cooperation, and sustainable development values very much at the core of the Commonwealth identity.
The UK’s Foreign Secretary, whose heritage extends across the UK, the Caribbean, Africa, and India, was a highly visible vocal advocate of the Commonwealth on a personal and professional basis. His presence underscored the UK’s continuing commitment to the organisation and its agendas. Lady Dentaa, traditionally Akosua Dentaa Amoateng MBE, played a key part in planning and hosting the event. As president and founder of the Grow Unite Build Africa (GUBA) Enterprise and the GUBA Foundation, she has always been a campaigner for health, education, and youth empowerment programs across the UK, USA, and Ghana. Her contribution added a personal and cultural dimension to the proceedings and reflected the spirit of unity and purpose of the diaspora.
This reception came just weeks after Secretary-General Botchwey took office officially and was a lead-up to her inaugural big event: the Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting (CTMM) in Namibia. For the first time, the gathering is taking place outside the Secretariat’s traditional base in London. It will feature the first-ever Commonwealth Business Summit, which brings together the leading players in the private sector to focus on expanding trade, stimulating investment, and building economic resilience. In the evening, the Secretary-General spelled out several key themes that will define her tenure, which she highlighted with a sharp emphasis on economic development and partnerships. She also valued efforts made by previous incumbents and acknowledged the commitment of the staff of the Commonwealth Secretariat, to whom she credited their continued professionalism and commitment.
While the primary focus of the evening was partnership and diplomacy, it was also a cultural show of the vibrancy of the Commonwealth. The guests enjoyed a musical treat by internationally renowned Nigerian DJ and producer DJ Cuppy, who offered a lively and contemporary atmosphere. Caribbean richness was brought onto the stage by Ayeshah George and Zola Steelpan, and a very energetic and high-stakes show that represented African heritage and artistry was done by the BLEMA African Drum and Dance group.
