Shirley Botchwey Becomes First African Woman Appointed as Commonwealth Secretary-General.

Appointment | Dated: 02 Apr 2025

On April 1, 2025, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, from Ghana, recently assumed office as the 7th Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - With this, she has become the first woman from Africa to hold this office. Also, she is the second woman to take on the position.
  • - She recently succeeded Baroness Patricia Janet Scotland of Dominica, who was appointed as the 6th Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations in November 2015, becoming the first woman to hold this position.
  • - She was recently appointed by the Commonwealth Heads of Government during their biennial meeting in Apia, Samoa, in 2024.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) The Secretary-General is nominated by Commonwealth leaders and can serve up to two terms, each lasting four years.
  • (ii) The position involves promoting and protecting the Commonwealth's values, representing the Commonwealth in public, and overseeing the management of the Commonwealth Secretariat.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Who recently became the first African woman to hold the position of Commonwealth Secretary-General?

Correct Answer: Shirley Botchwey

🚀 Quick Recap:

About The Commonwealth (Commonwealth of Nations)

  • Head: Charles III
  • Headquarters: London, the United Kingdom (UK)