Honourable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has been conferred with the National Order of Merit, Cooperation and Development Medal by H.E. Umaro Sissoco Embaló, President of the Republic of Guinea Bissau, on Tuesday, 16th May, 2023. The short ceremony took place during the State Visit of H.E. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to the Republic of Guinea Bissau from 14th to 16th May, 2023.
Speaking after the conferment, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, expressed gratitude to President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, the Government and People of Guinea Bissau for the honour done her. She added the award is an honour to herself, the President, and people of Ghana. She further thanked H.E. President Akufo-Addo and indicated that she owed the honour to him, considering that he gave her the opportunity to serve in his government as a Foreign Minister and for the confidence he continually reposes in her.
She highlighted the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between Ghana and Guinea Bissau and added that the award was evidence of the strength of the relationship. She expressed her commitment to work to further to strengthen the ties of cooperation between Ghana and Guinea Bissau.