Both Ghana and Malawi have vowed to strengthen the multilateral and bilateral ties that have developed over time.
Given their shared past, the two nations agreed that strengthening their relationship was crucial for their mutual advantage.
When Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, visited President Lazarus Chakwera a courtesy call at the Presidency in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, they pledged their devotion.
The Foreign Affairs Minister called on President Chakwera as part of a bilateral visit that includes a stop in Zambia.
As the next Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, it is widely agreed that someone from Africa should hold the position. Ms. Botchwey told President Chakwera that President Akufo-Addo had nominated her, adding that “I am prepared if members find me worthy” and urging Malawi to support her when the time comes.
When she is approved for the Commonwealth General-Secretaryship, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated the themes she will focus on, including education, labor market mobility, investment in startups and education, and climate change and climate financing.
She expressed sadness that the region’s youthful, wealthy population was not being fully used due to a lack of investment in them and promised to work toward educating the youth and supporting companies that would address the migration issues the continent faces.
She noted that the stories of young people in West Africa attempting to reach Europe by way of their dangerous trek through North Africa constituted a major problem that needed to be addressed.
Recalling the friendly ties that had existed between the two nations ever since their independence, President Chakwera stated, “in fact, Dr Banda (the first President of Malawi) lived in Ghana and we call it (Ghana) home.”
According to President Chakwera, Ghana and Malawi need to consciously work to strengthen their bilateral relations.
The president of Malawi stated, “I want you to know that our bilateral ties need to be more intentionally promoted.”
He expressed his congratulations to Ms. Botchwey on President Akufo-Addo’s nomination of her and stated, “Malawi welcomes the candidature for the Secretary-General.” Congrats, I gave you that.
He was confident that “with that confidence that brings with it your skills and expertise, you will prove to be an asset to the Commonwealth” .
According to the president of Malawi, Malawi values the Commonwealth’s bilateral cooperation.
“We will take your appointment seriously and will respond to my brother (President Akufo-Addo),” he gave Ms. Botchwey assurances.
