Honorable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, was honored with the prestigious National Order of Merit, Cooperation, and Development Medal. The recognition was bestowed upon her by His Excellency Umaro Sissoco Embaló, the President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, during a brief ceremony held on Tuesday, May 16th, 2023. The event took place as part of a State Visit by His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to Guinea-Bissau, spanning from the 14th to the 16th of May.
Following the conferment, Honorable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey expressed her deep gratitude to President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, as well as the government and people of Guinea-Bissau, for bestowing this remarkable honor upon her. She acknowledged that the award not only reflected her own accomplishments but also served as a tribute to the President and the people of Ghana. Additionally, she extended her appreciation to President Akufo-Addo, recognizing his instrumental role in appointing her as the Foreign Minister and for the unwavering confidence he has shown in her abilities.
Honorable Botchwey emphasized the profound friendship and cooperation that exists between Ghana and Guinea-Bissau, highlighting the award as tangible evidence of the strength of their bilateral relationship. She expressed her unwavering commitment to further enhancing and solidifying the bonds of cooperation between the two nations.

The National Order of Merit, Cooperation, and Development Medal symbolizes the deep appreciation for Honorable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey’s exceptional dedication and contributions to diplomacy, foreign affairs, and regional integration. Her tireless efforts and diplomatic skills have significantly contributed to Ghana’s role as an influential and respected global player.
This recognition serves as a testament to Ghana’s commitment to fostering strong and meaningful relationships with its international partners. The commendation of Honorable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey underscores Ghana’s determination to promote cooperation, development, and mutual respect with nations across the globe.
As Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Honorable Botchwey will continue to play a pivotal role in advancing Ghana’s foreign policy objectives and strengthening ties with countries such as Guinea-Bissau. Her dedication, professionalism, and diplomatic acumen will undoubtedly contribute to the further growth and prosperity of both Ghana and its valued international allies.
The conferment of this distinguished honor upon Honorable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey highlights not only her personal achievements but also represents a significant milestone in the enduring friendship and cooperation between Ghana and Guinea-Bissau. With her unwavering commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations, the future holds promising prospects for enhanced collaboration, shared prosperity, and mutual benefits.