Ayorkor Botchwey Proposes Actions to Strengthen Democracy_

 

Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has outlined proposals to safeguard democracy and deliver socio-economic benefits to citizens of the Commonwealth. 

Speaking at a lecture at the University of Buckingham in the UK, she emphasized the need for international cooperation to address threats from disinformation, populism, and declining trust in democracy.

Ms. Botchwey, a candidate for the Commonwealth Secretary-General position, highlighted the importance of collective action to address global challenges like the climate crisis. She noted that many developing countries, particularly Small States and Small Developing Island States, face significant economic challenges, including heavy debt burdens and limited access to foreign direct investment.

To address these issues, Ms. Botchwey recommended:

- Industrialized countries provide more resources to international financial institutions to support developing countries.

- Governments incentivize the private sector to facilitate technology transfer and catalyze sustainable development.

- Investments in education and skills align with the needs of a modern workforce.

She emphasized that democracy's greatest threat comes from unmet socio-economic expectations and urged governments to prioritize delivering on the promises of democracy to ensure its survival.

Ms. Botchwey's proposals aim to strengthen democracy, promote economic growth, and address global challenges through international cooperation and collective action.