Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has been elected as the new Secretary-General of the Commonwealth during the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa. Botchwey, who has nearly 20 years of experience in diplomacy, faced competition from two other African candidates but emerged victorious, succeeding Baroness Patricia Scotland. Her achievements include championing Ghana's foreign policy on the UN Security Council and promoting significant digital reforms in Ghana's diplomatic services. The Commonwealth recognized her vision for a resilient and cooperative organization amidst global challenges such as economic stagnation and climate change. Her candidacy was notably supported by both current and former Ghanaian Presidents, highlighting her strong backing within her country. Botchwey's election marks a significant milestone as she becomes only the second African to hold this position.