By Buba Gagigo
Dr. Momodou Tangara, Gambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, has lost the bid for Commonwealth Secretary-General to Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.
“Commonwealth Heads of Government have chosen the Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, as the next Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. She emerged victorious against strong contenders, including Gambia’s Foreign Minister, Momodou Tangara, and Senator Joshua Setipa of Lesotho,” the Commonwealth announced.
Following the announcement, Dr. Tangara shared his congratulations on social media, stating, “I hereby congratulate Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchey, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, on her selection by the Commonwealth Heads of Government as the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. Hon. Botchey’s vast experience and commitment to the values of the Commonwealth will be an asset for the institution and its member countries.”
The election was held in Apia, Samoa, from October 21 to 25, 2024, where Dr. Tangara competed against Hon. Botchwey and Senator Setipa of Lesotho.