Oct 26, V7N- The Commonwealth’s 56-nation body announced Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s foreign minister, as its new Secretary General as the Samoa-hosted summit concluded on Saturday. Botchwey, who has served as Ghana’s foreign minister for seven years and led the nation’s UN Security Council tenure, was selected over two other candidates in a term traditionally rotated between the Commonwealth's geographical blocs. Botchwey’s win was celebrated on social media, where she expressed humility and readiness for the work ahead.

A significant part of her campaign included support for reparations and a Commonwealth free trade agreement. The summit, originally intended to focus on climate change, became a stage for reparations dialogue, with African, Caribbean, and Pacific nations urging Britain and other European nations to address the legacy of slavery. While the UK has resisted committing to financial reparations, leaders like Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis emphasized the need for "real dialogue" on reparatory justice, citing the enduring impacts of slavery on these nations.

King Charles III, as the head of the Commonwealth, acknowledged the painful history of colonialism, encouraging delegates to reject "the language of division." Although the British monarchy has faced calls for a formal apology, Charles urged for collaborative efforts to address ongoing inequalities. Botchwey’s new role places her at the helm of the Commonwealth Secretariat, where she will steer the organization’s initiatives on democratic governance, trade, and climate advocacy from its London headquarters.

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