Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, engaged in bilateral talks with Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth and Foreign Minister Maneesh Gobin in Port Louis. The discussions focused on mutual concerns and her candidacy for Commonwealth Secretary-General.
Stressing on the importance of democracy and good governance, Madam Ayorkor Botchwey touched on the impact of climate change on Small Island Developing States like Mauritius, as well as the need for skills training and job creation for youth. She also advocated for increased trade and investment among Commonwealth member countries, using the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a model.
“The Commonwealth must encourage more intra-trade and investment. It’s a crucial organization with untapped potential,” she remarked.
The Commonwealth, comprising 56 countries with a combined annual output of over $13 trillion, faces challenges such as political unrest and the spread of misinformation on social media. Both ministers expressed concern about these issues, particularly in multi-ethnic and multicultural nations.
Additionally, they discussed pending bilateral projects, including a “smart city” initiative in Ghana, an air services agreement, and a circular migration protocol to facilitate regulated migration between partner countries.
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, who has served as Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister since 2017, could become the first female African Commonwealth Secretary-General if elected at the Heads of Government summit in Samoa this October.
