Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has affirmed Ghana’s commitment to leveraging its full membership in the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) to strengthen ties between Anglophone and Francophone African communities.
Speaking at La Francophonie’s 55th anniversary flag-raising ceremony in Accra, he emphasized Ghana’s dedication to the shared values of democracy, human rights, cultural diversity, and sustainable development.
“Ghana, under the leadership of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, intends to use her new status with the OIF to promote the values and principles that bind us together,” Mr. Ablakwa stated. “We reaffirm our commitment to building bridges between Ghana and Anglophone and Francophone communities.”
He highlighted Ghana’s efforts toward regional peace and stability and reiterated the nation’s unwavering commitment to fostering democratic governance, human rights, and sustainable development.
Given the prevailing regional and global political climate, he stressed the urgency of promoting these ideals.
“Indeed, in the context of our current regional and global landscape, the promotion of these ideals has become even more imperative,” he remarked.
Mr. Ablakwa also acknowledged the contributions that facilitated Ghana’s attainment of full membership status in the OIF. He extended appreciation to Ambassador Thai Hong Mai, the West African Representative of the OIF, along with her team and member states, for their support in this achievement. Ghana officially attained full membership in October 2024.
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Maher Kheir, Ambassador of Lebanon and President of the Group of Francophonie Ambassadors, described Ghana’s accomplishment as a testament to its commitment to bilingualism, cooperation, and active engagement with the Francophone world.
“More than ever, Ghana is poised to play a key role in ECOWAS and regional diplomacy, bridging the gap between English-speaking and French-speaking African countries,” he noted.