New Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey outlining the priorities she will address during her tenure. (Photo: Commonwealth Secretariat)

Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has pledged to advance the values of the Commonwealth Charter at a time of growing global tensions and shifting alliances. Botchwey, former ghanaian minister for foreign affairs and regional integration, assumed office as secretary-general of the Commonwealth on April 1, succeeding Patricia Scotland, whose nine-year term ended in March.