Ghana’s overseas minister since 2017, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has been appointed the brand new secretary-general of the Commonwealth, introduced on the ultimate day of the Commonwealth Heads of Authorities Assembly (CHOGM) in Samoa. Botchwey, a former lawmaker and skilled lawyer, turns into the second lady to carry this place within the Commonwealth’s historical past.
“I’m actually humbled,” Botchwey stated on social media, including, “The work certainly lies forward.” Her appointment comes at a time when discussions about reparations for the legacy of transatlantic slavery and colonialism had been central to the summit, alongside the continued local weather disaster.
As overseas minister, Botchwey has been a powerful advocate for reparations, emphasizing that reparatory justice isn’t just about monetary compensation but additionally addressing world challenges like local weather change and financial resilience. This view was shared by the opposite candidates who ran for the secretary-general place, signaling a typical sentiment inside the Commonwealth to confront historic injustices.
Reparations dominated discussions on the summit, with heads of presidency issuing a communique supporting “discussions on reparatory justice” concerning the transatlantic slave commerce. They known as for a “significant, truthful, and respectful dialog” to create a extra equitable future for member states.
The UK authorities has resisted paying direct reparations, however sources have recommended it might take into account supporting different types of reparatory justice, resembling debt reduction and restructuring monetary establishments. Botchwey has expressed that the Commonwealth might assist lead this dialogue, fostering a “frequent voice” amongst member states to deal with reparations and broader points like local weather change.
Along with her advocacy for reparations, Botchwey has pushed for financial integration inside the Commonwealth. She has supported efforts to draft a free commerce settlement amongst member states and has performed a management function in each the Financial Neighborhood of West African States (ECOWAS) and Ghana’s time period on the UN Safety Council.
Botchwey succeeds Patricia Scotland, who has held the secretary-general function since 2016. The secretary-general place is nominated by Commonwealth leaders and is capped at two phrases of 4 years every.
With Botchwey’s management, the Commonwealth is poised to deal with historic wrongs whereas working towards a extra inclusive and resilient future.
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