Fatimatu Abubakar: Ghana capable of leading Commonwealth

By Isabella Agyakwa

The Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, has expressed confidence in the ability of Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, to become the first African female Secretary General of the Commonwealth.

She highlighted the Foreign Minister’s vision to achieve health and climate resilience, promote economic transformation through increased trade and investments, and plan to leverage technology to create opportunities for the youth on the continent.

“So, I don’t think there is a better time than now and a better candidate than Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey who is really a very big voice for developing countries to serve in this capacity. I am confident that the entire government machinery is behind her,” she said.

Speaking to the selected media houses ahead of her visit to Samoa for the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting, Mrs Fatimatu Abubakar pointed to Ghana’s good diplomatic relations which serves as a good opportunity for Ghana as well as a learning point for other women in Ghana.

“If you have a leader at that level, it goes a long way to help you reach out and make sure we build the necessary networks to facilitate trade among our respective countries. So I’m excited about this opportunity for her and the inspiration that draws, that a lot of young Ghanaian women especially will draw from this experience, that our dreams are valid, the opportunities in the country and outside are boundless,” she said.

“It also means a lot because apart from the United Nations, the Commonwealth is one of the most respected and big international organizations or institutions creating impact around the world. And to have a Ghanaian lead, that will mean the world to us as a country. And also, as an ambassador out there, pushing for opportunities for our country and continent,” the Information Minister added.

Itinerary

Mrs Fatimatu Abubakar disclosed that as part of the activities of her visit, she would be part of a breakfast meeting that seeks to discuss matters concerning youth and sports and also other matters from other sectors.

“So we are all ready to make a good case for Ghana, to build networks, to build relationships, and also ensure that our Honorable Foreign Affairs Minister gets the note to serve as the Secretary General of the Commonwealth in the next term,” she said.

“So we are all excited for this opportunity and it’s our prayer and hopes that she gets the nod to serve as the Commonwealth Secretary-General for the next thing. The voting will be done by Heads of State,” she added.