The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP) addressed the 25th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to advancing the shared values of democracy, peace, and development within the Commonwealth.
Honourable Ablakwa commended the Chair of the meeting, Honourable Tolupe Mutele-Luku Osisoma, Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa, and congratulated the new Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Right Honourable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey. He noted that her historic appointment is a source of pride not only for Ghana but for the entire Commonwealth family, lauded her leadership in driving reform and renewal across the organization.
Reflecting on the theme of CHOGM 2024, “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming Our Commonwealth,” the Honourable Minister underscored the importance of the Commonwealth’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan. He highlighted Ghana’s priorities of strengthening governance, accountability, and citizen participation while also advancing reparatory justice as a means to heal historical wounds and build stronger bonds of solidarity.
On climate action, Honourable Ablakwa called for urgent and united efforts to confront the growing impacts of climate change, citing extreme weather events across Africa and the Caribbean as a reminder of shared vulnerability. He emphasized Ghana’s strong support for the Made in Commonwealth Ocean Declaration and urged member states to harness the Commonwealth platform to champion sustainability and secure a safer, greener future for generations to come.
