Onsy Nkrumah Visits New Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey
Onsy Nkrumah paid a courtesy visit to the newly appointed Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, on Monday, 14th April 2024. Hon. Botchwey, a former Ghanaian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, assumed her role at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters in London on 1st April 2025.
The son of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah described his visit as a privilege rather than a political gesture when questioned by Eamn the host of The Hot Seat, during a telephone call. He emphasized that Hon. Botchwey’s appointment as the first Ghanaian to hold this prestigious position marks a significant milestone for both Ghana and the Commonwealth.
During the call with Eamn, Onsy Nkrumah highlighted the importance of his visit. He noted that his father, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, played a pivotal role in the formation of the Commonwealth and underscored Ghana’s historical ties to the organization as one of its founding members under his father’s visionary leadership.
The Commonwealth comprises 56 member nations, including Ghana, the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among others. Notably, Ghana has been selected for the first time in history to lead the Commonwealth, with Hon. Shirley Botchwey serving as Secretary-General.
During his visit, Onsy Kwame Nkrumah commended Hon. Botchwey as a true Pan-Africanist and urged her to continue advocating for Africa and Pan-Africanism in her new role. Hon. Botchwey assured him of her commitment to serving all 56 member nations diligently and equitably, extending beyond the African continent.
Acknowledging her historic appointment as the first Ghanaian Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Onsy conveyed the pride and support of all Ghanaians, regardless of political affiliation, for her new role.
The Commonwealth, historically linked to the British Empire, has transitioned its leadership from Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles, who now serves as the royal figurehead of the Commonwealth family of nations.
Onsy’s visit honored the Nkrumah legacy, celebrated Ghana’s historical ties with the Commonwealth, and embraced a new chapter with the historic appointment of the first Ghanaian woman as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations.
NSG News Team
