Ghana celebrated the 54th anniversary of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) with a flag-raising ceremony on March 20th, 2024. The event, held under the theme “Creation, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship,” highlighted Ghana’s growing ties with the French-speaking world.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the ceremony’s guest of honor, announced a strengthened partnership with the Group of Francophone Ambassadors. This collaboration aims to elevate the OIF’s presence in Ghana and pave the way for the country’s transition from associate to full membership.
“Let us celebrate the spirit of La Francophonie and the bonds of friendship that unite us,” President Akufo-Addo declared. “May this ceremony symbolize our shared commitment to unity, diversity, and progress.”
The Lebanese Ambassador to Ghana and President of the Group of Francophone Ambassadors, H.E. Maher Kheir, commended Ghana’s efforts to integrate French into its educational system. He expressed optimism that Ghana’s full membership application would be considered at the upcoming 19th Francophonie Summit in France this October.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, defense, education, and interior ministers, and members of the diplomatic corps. Students from various schools, including Accra Community School and Lycée Jacques Prévert, also participated.