Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey was born on February 8, 1963, in Accra.

Botchwey completed her secondary education at St. Mary's Girls' Senior High School in Korle-Gonno. She then pursued higher education at esteemed institutions, including the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), the Pitman’s Central College, the University of London, and the University of Westminster in the United Kingdom (UK).

She holds an impressive array of qualifications, including an Executive MBA with a specialization in Project Management, an MA in Public Communication, a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB), a Diploma in Public Relations and Advertising, and a certificate in Marketing Management.

Before entering politics, Botchwey made a mark in the business world. She successfully ran a Marketing and Communications Company, where she served as a consultant for the Ministry of Tourism. She worked with organizations such as Worldspace Ghana, the Divestiture Implementation Committee, Glaxo Group Research, and Hodge Recruitment.

Botchwey's political career began as a legislator representing the populous constituency of Weija. She served two terms (2004 and 2008)until the constituency was demarcated, after which she represented the people of Anyaa/Sowutuom. In the 2020 general and parliamentary elections, she made the decision not to seek re-election, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable service.

Within Parliament, Botchwey played crucial roles in various committees and served as spokesperson on Foreign Affairs from 2009. Her expertise in foreign affairs led her to become the Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Foreign Affairs, as well as the Appointments, Defence, and Interior Committees.

She also served as a member of the ECOWAS Parliament from 2013 to 2017, contributing to regional discussions on fundamental human rights and freedom while providing recommendations to ECOWAS institutions and organs. Furthermore, Botchwey held the position of Vice Chair on the NEPAD & APRM Committees, emphasizing her commitment to regional development and governance.

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey was appointed by Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo as Minister of Foreign Affairs on 10 January 2017. As Foreign Minister, she has led the Council of Ministers of the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for two successive terms from July 2020 to the present.

Botchwey actively participates in the Communication Committee and the Gender and Children Committees of Parliament.

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey was recently called to the Bar on October 20, 2023. She expressed her gratitude and joy to God for helping her achieve this goal at 60 years old.