New Secretary General
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey
Ghana
Starts 1 April 2025

​Current SG
The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC (2016-2025)
Ends 31 March 2025

Dear Edward,

The author AA Milne once wrote: “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” Today, as I bid you farewell, those words ring especially true.

It is especially difficult to leave this role that I love, the friends I have made, and the 2.7 billion people I have served. I also take special pride that, during my nine-year tenure, the Commonwealth has continued to be an influential and indispensable force for good in the world.

Backed by the trust that I always enjoyed from our Heads of Government and by our incredible team in London, Geneva, and New York, together, we have steered the Secretariat and the Commonwealth through turbulent times.
When the pandemic hit, our investment in digital infrastructure enabled us to shift our entire operation online – including the ongoing delivery of ministerial meetings – literally overnight. Natural disasters, conflicts and funding challenges - we have faced them all and not only survived but thrived.

This resilience leaves me with no doubt that we will not merely face the future but build it confidently in partnership with our community of nations.

Our staff will continue to serve with distinction and be the pride of their countries. Their commitment and professionalism will fuel greater growth across our member countries, help amplify the voices of our small island and vulnerable states and enable us to leverage the power of AI to build more resilient and secure societies.

I leave a Commonwealth fit for the future - stronger, more connected, more resilient and more relevant than ever, with a wonderful team driving forward our powerful work from day to day.
Tomorrow, a worthy and experienced leader will succeed me as Secretary-General. As the first woman to hold this post, and as someone who has tirelessly campaigned for greater rights for women, I am incredibly proud that, for the first time, an African woman will be our 7th Commonwealth Secretary-General.

My sister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, will have my prayers, good wishes and continuous support as she takes on this critical role.
It is a wonderful privilege to serve. This moment of profound change and uncertainty in our world coincides with this transition for our Commonwealth family. It is a moment of reflection for me personally and an opportunity for renewal for our organisation. 

Though I am demitting office, I will never leave you. As someone who was born in the island state of Dominica and after a lifetime of public service in the UK, I am a true daughter of the Commonwealth.

My heart belongs to our great union, steeped in shared values and bound by unwavering solidarity. It has been an immense honour and a great privilege to serve you and to have been supported by you. I have been sustained by your friendship, guided by your wisdom, and inspired by your commitment to our shared values.

Until I see you again, you have my deepest thanks. I wish you peace, prosperity and continued progress.

The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC
Commonwealth Secretary-General​
​

Election of new Secretary General
25 & 26 October 2024

Next SG
Election this year at CHOGM 2024 Samoa

​Candidates

Senator Joshua Setipa from Lesotho - click here
Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey from Ghana - click here
​Dr Mamadou Tangara from Gambia - click here
​
​Ghana
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey​

rome.mfa.gov.gh

​​Lesotho
Joshua Phoho Setipa

setipa.com/#

​​
​Former SG's
Kamalesh Sharma of India (2008-2016)
Don McKinnon of New Zealand (2000-2008)
Chief Emeka Anyaoku of Nigeria (1990-2000)
Sir Shridath ‘Sonny’ Ramphal of Guyana (1975-1990)
Arnold Smith of Canada (1965-1975)