…emphasizing cultural diversity and economic opportunities

Ghana joined 92 member countries worldwide in celebrating the annual Francophonie Walk in Accra, highlighting the nation's commitment to cultural diversity and the promotion of the French language. The event which came off on Saturday, April 12, 2025 was to raise awareness on Ghana’s full membership into the Organisation international de la Francophonie.

Also known as the International Organisation of La Francophonie or simply La Francophonie, the organisation seeks to promote the French language and political, educational, economic and cultural cooperation among member countries. The walk which commenced at Kwame Nkrumah Circle, proceeded through Ako-Adjei Interchange and Ridge Roundabout, and concluded at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Head Office.

The Policy Coordinator for La Francophonie at the Presidency, Francis Afelete said the new membership sets to offer opportunities in education, tourism, economy, trade, and sustainable development. “The country has 20 projects aligned with government goals, emphasizing the importance of French language proficiency. Ghana is strategically positioned in West Africa, surrounded by French-speaking countries, and is encouraged to adopt its own dialect of French,” he said.

He further stated that the conversation highlights the need for a cultural shift in language learning, advocating for immersion and practical use over formal instruction. He highlighted the importance of embracing French language education for Ghanaians, highlighting its strategic value both in global diplomacy and regional integration with the French-speaking nations that border Ghana.

“Ghana is already having an enviable position within the West African, by being surrounded by these Francophone countries so naturally we should be speaking the language. We have to break the stereotypes about the language. We can develop our own way of speaking the French language which would make it easier for us just as the other English languages,” he said.

The National Correspondent for Francophonie at the Ministry of Education, Tchitchi Kando-Ayiga on his part addressed participants, emphasising the significance of the French language in Ghana's socio-economic development. He noted that Ghana's full membership in the OIF since 2024 has opened avenues for showcasing the country's democratic values and governance on an international platform. "We are redefining the French language in Ghana, making it more accessible and practical for all," Mr. Kando-Ayiga stated.

He highlighted the importance of French in various sectors, including tourism, business, and diplomacy, and underscored the need for Ghanaians to embrace the language as a tool for national development.

These assertions were re-echoed by Mr. Alain Gbeasor, Team Lead for La Francophonie Secretariat at the Presidency. The Francophonie Walk is part of a series of events organized to celebrate the French language and cultural diversity. Participants from various Francophone countries, diplomatic missions, and local institutions took part in the walk, symbolizing unity and shared cultural heritage.

About La Francophonie

The Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) was officially established on 20 March 1970, inspired by a vision of solidarity and cooperation among French-speaking countries. Its founding fathers—Léopold Sédar Senghor of Senegal, Habib Bourguiba of Tunisia, Hamani Diori of Niger, and the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia—laid the groundwork for an international organization committed to uniting nations through the French language and shared values.

Headquartered in Paris, the OIF today brings together 93 Member States and Governments, including 56 full members, 5 associate members, and 32 observers. La Francophonie represents a global community of over 321 million French speakers across five continents who share this common language as a unifying bond. The Charter of La Francophonie establishes the institution's framework, with the Summit of La Francophonie serving as its highest authority and the Secretary General—currently Louise Mushikiwabo—as its cornerstone.

The OIF implements multilateral cooperation projects in partnership with the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie and four operational agencies: the Association of Francophone Universities, TV5MONDE, the International Association of Francophone Mayors, and Senghor University in Alexandria.

The Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) offers significant funding opportunities to support projects in education, culture, governance, economic development, and environmental sustainability. These funding programs target governments, civil society organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and individuals involved in Francophone initiatives.