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ASWIM congratulates Ms Botchwey as Commonwealth Gen. Sec
Ms Shirley Botchwey
The Association of Women in the Media (ASWIM) has congratulated Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey on her election as the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
According to ASWIM, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ms Botchwey, brings an exceptional wealth of experience, commitment, and vision to this distinguished role, becoming the first African woman to hold this prestigious position.
This was contained in a statement signed by the president of the association, Mrs Mavis Kitcher and copied to The Spectator in Accra on Monday.
It said the Commonwealth, representing 2.7 billion people across advanced economies and developing nations, including 33 small states and many island nations, stands to benefit from Ms Botchwey’s leadership.
Her election, it stated, highlights the influence and potential of African women in global governance, marking a significant milestone for Ghana and is testament to the impactful contributions of women in international leadership.
“As the seventh Secretary-General, her dedication and expertise in diplomacy are critical. We are confident that her leadership will advance the Commonwealth’s mission of cooperation, peace-building, and sustainable development, fostering unity across its 56 member states. This is inspirational to women in the media and beyond,” it added.
Throughout her tenure as Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, the statement said, Ms Botchwey has exemplified outstanding leadership and advocacy, spearheading Ghana’s role on the world stage, promoting regional security, economic growth, and international partnerships.
It mentioned that her achievements had made her a role model for women in leadership and public service across Africa and the globe.
The statement said Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey’s outstanding achievements underscore her dedication to public service, diplomacy, and women’s rights.
According to the statement, her leadership had enhanced Ghana’s partnerships globally, including with the European Union (EU), China, and the United States.
The Association of Women in the Media (ASWIM), is an umbrella association for female journalists and media practitioners in Ghana, committed to empowering women in media and advocating for equal representation and ethical media practices.
Through its initiatives, they foster collaboration, professional development, and advocacy to elevate the voices of women in the media industry and the entire nation.
By Spectator Reporter
News
National Service Authority gets new Director-General
The National Service Authority (NSA) has officially welcomed a new Director-General, Ms. Ruth Dela Seddoh, following a brief handing-over ceremony at its headquarters on Tuesday.
The event marked the formal transfer of leadership from the outgoing Director-General, Mr. Felix Gyamfi, to Ms. Seddoh. Management and staff of the Authority attended the ceremony.
Mr. Gyamfi used the occasion to thank staff for their support during his tenure.
He encouraged them to give the same cooperation to Ms. Seddoh to ensure the continued growth and impact of the Authority.
Ms. Seddoh expressed appreciation to government for the confidence placed in her.
She promised to build on the achievements of her predecessor and called for teamwork, dedication and innovation to help the NSA deliver on its mandate to support national development.
Management of the Authority pledged their full support to the new leadership as the organisation enters its next phase.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
NSA board sets up committee to supervise digital reforms
The Governing Board of the National Service Authority (NSA) has announced the inauguration of a Transition and Implementation Steering Committee (TISC) to oversee the Authority’s digital transformation agenda.
According to the Board, the move follows a letter dated 17 June 2025 from the Office of the President to the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment directing the suspension of the existing deployment system, calling for an audit of its operations and instructing the design and deployment of a new digital platform.
The Board explained that the audit had been completed and had found the existing system unsatisfactory.
It indicated that the Minister had written to the Board to begin the necessary legal processes to ensure the contract for the audited system, which expired in August 2025, would not be renewed, and to take further steps toward designing and deploying a new digital platform that would guarantee transparency, security and real-time verification of service personnel postings.
It stressed that the TISC had been established to ensure a smooth and orderly transition from the current National Service Scheme digital platform to a new ICT-led system aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and service delivery.
The Authority outlined the Committee’s mandate as overseeing the phased migration from the legacy system, directing the design and deployment of a modern digital platform, and supervising its operationalisation across core functions including personnel enrolment, postings, payroll, allowances and scheme administration.
It further noted that acting under the directives of the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment and deriving authority from the NSA Board, the TISC has the power to issue instructions to NSA departments and engage external partners necessary to achieve its mandate through the Governing Board.
The Authority named Dr. Wisdom Atiwoto, a member of the NSA Board and Director of Research, Statistics and Information Management at the Ministry of Health, as chair of the Committee.
Other members include Ms. Ruth Dela Seddoh, Mr. Shadrack Mensah, Ms. Elorm Goh, Mr. Benjamin Freeman Kusi, Ms. Jennifer Opong, Dr. Stephan Nwolley, Mr. Koku Abotsi, Mr. Japhet Kuntu, Mr. Nabil Abubakar Hussayn and Ms. Regina Obenewa Penrose as Secretary.
The NSA Board assured the public and stakeholders of its commitment to innovation, accountability and excellence in service delivery.
It emphasised that there would be no disruption in the fulfilment of its obligations to national service personnel as outlined in the National Service Act, Act 1119 (2024), and indicated that updates on the Committee’s progress would be communicated in due course.
With the collective expertise of its members, the TISC is expected to deliver a robust and future-ready platform that will anchor the next phase of the National Service Scheme’s operations.
By: Jacob Aggrey
