The Group of Francophone Ambassadors (GAF) in Ghana has joined the global Francophone community to mark the International Day of La Francophonie, celebrating the French language, cultural diversity, and shared values such as peace, democracy and human rights.
This year’s celebration is on the global theme, “Generation Peace: The Contribution of Youth to a More Peaceful World,” placing the spotlight on young people as drivers of innovation, dialogue and social transformation.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra to mark the day, the President of the GAF and Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to Ghana, Félix Assiélou Tanon, emphasised the significance of the French language as a tool for dialogue, solidarity and cooperation across nations.
He mentioned that more than 321 million people worldwide communicate in French, forging meaningful bonds across cultures and continents.
“In a global context marked by numerous challenges, youth represent a force for innovation, dialogue and social transformation. Their commitment to peace, tolerance and harmonious co-existence is more necessary than ever,” he added.
Strategic importance
Locally, the celebration centred on the theme: “Positioning Ghana within the Francophone Space: Language, Partnerships and Opportunities”.
The GAF President stressed that the strategic importance of the French language for Ghana cannot be overstated.
“Mastery of French opens new opportunities in education, trade, diplomacy, regional cooperation and employment, particularly for younger generations,” he said.
He emphasised the country’s strategic position in a predominantly Francophone region and praised its role as a friendly partner.
He also mentioned that Ghana’s official entry into the Francophone family in October 2024 strengthened its engagement with Francophone nations, opening opportunities in trade, education, diplomacy and regional cooperation.
The Francophone Group in Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promoted the learning of French, strengthened educational, cultural and economic partnerships and encouraged exchanges among peoples.
Significance
Ambassador Tanon stated that Francophonie represented a privileged space for dialogue, cooperation and solidarity founded on shared values such as peace, democracy, cultural diversity and sustainable development.
“As we celebrate the International Day of La Francophonie, I would like, in my capacity as Chair of the Group of Francophone Ambassadors in Ghana, to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to promoting the values of La Francophonie: peace, democracy, human rights, and inclusive development,” he said.
He further stated that the group would continue to work closely with the Ghanaian authorities and the international community to ensure that the French language remained a vehicle for shared progress, a bridge between cultures, and an instrument for peace, dialogue and development.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
