By Daniel Bampoe
A delegation from the NPP Loyal Ladies in Ghana and the United Kingdom has paid a courtesy visit to the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Her Excellency Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, as the group intensifies preparations for its upcoming UK Summit.
The meeting, held at Marlborough House in London on July 20, 2026, centred on women’s leadership, mentorship, public service and efforts to prepare a new generation of women to take up leadership positions in Ghana, the diaspora and beyond.
The engagement offered members of the delegation an opportunity to interact with the former Ghanaian Foreign Affairs Minister and draw lessons from her years of experience in politics, diplomacy and international public service.
The delegation comprised NPP Loyal Ladies Communications Director, Grace Akosua Amoabeng; Director for Diaspora and Special Projects, Karen Nyuiemedi Kemetse; United Kingdom Captain, Roberta Baaba Pobee; and Ashanti Regional Commander and Special Projects Coordinator, Josephine Pokuaa Asare.
The visit formed part of activities leading to the NPP Loyal Ladies UK Summit and was intended to deepen conversations about women’s participation in leadership and decision-making.
During the meeting, Ms Botchwey shared reflections from her journey through public service and encouraged members of the organisation to continue investing in mentorship, leadership development and excellence.
She stressed the importance of resilience, integrity, adequate preparation and continuous learning, particularly for women seeking to make meaningful contributions in politics, governance, business and community development.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General’s engagement with the delegation also highlighted the growing importance of experienced female leaders mentoring younger women and creating pathways for them to participate effectively in public life.
Members of the delegation, for their part, briefed Ms Botchwey on the vision and activities of NPP Loyal Ladies, particularly its efforts to promote women’s participation through political education, mentorship, community engagement and leadership development.
They explained that empowering women requires not only encouraging them to seek leadership positions but also equipping them with the confidence, knowledge and practical skills necessary to perform effectively when opportunities arise.
The delegation described the meeting as insightful and encouraging, saying the opportunity to learn directly from a Ghanaian woman occupying one of the most prominent positions in international public service reinforced the importance of mentorship and lifelong learning.
Ms Botchwey’s rise to the leadership of the Commonwealth represents a significant chapter in diplomatic history.
The former Member of Parliament and Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister was elected Secretary-General of the Commonwealth in October 2024, becoming the first African woman to occupy the position.
She formally assumed office in April 2025, succeeding Patricia Scotland and becoming the seventh Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
Her election followed years of service in Ghana’s Parliament and government, including her tenure as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Against that background, the Loyal Ladies delegation said interacting with her provided valuable perspectives on how women can navigate politics and public service while building careers capable of making an impact beyond their home countries.
The meeting also comes as the NPP reorganises following its defeat in the 2024 general election and seeks to strengthen its structures and reconnect with supporters ahead of future electoral contests.
Women and youth groups within the party are expected to play important roles in that rebuilding effort, particularly in political mobilisation, grassroots organisation and leadership development.
NPP Loyal Ladies has over the years operated as a women’s political volunteer organisation associated with the New Patriotic Party, mobilising women and undertaking political and community activities in support of the party.
