Antigua and Barbuda supports Ghana’s bid for SG post.

Antigua and Barbuda, a member country of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), has announced its endorsement of Ghana’s candidate for the position of Secretary General of the Commonwealth grouping.

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 equal and independent countries from across the globe, with a population of one-third of the world’s population.

The grouping comprises both advanced economies and developing countries, with a commitment to promoting democracy, development, and free trade among its members.

The incumbent Secretary General, Dame Patricia Scotland, is set to be replaced in October this year, and Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, is the only contender for the position so far.

Earlier this month, Grenada also pledged its support for Botchwey, following President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s address to the Grenada Parliament.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, has confirmed his country’s endorsement of Botchwey during a meeting with her on the sidelines of the 46th regular meeting of CARICOM leaders.

Botchwey highlighted her priorities for the London-based Commonwealth Secretariat, which include trade and investment, climate change, youth, education, skills, innovation, start-ups, mobility, labor markets, and the challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Prime Minister Browne expressed his administration’s support for Botchwey and emphasized the historical ties between Ghana and Antigua and Barbuda, which have resulted in harmonious diplomatic relations between the two countries.

He also committed to strengthening relations between the two countries, including through increased air linkages and people-to-people exchanges.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Browne extended an invitation to the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, to attend the upcoming 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States to be held in Antigua and Barbuda in May 2024.