nnual Francophonie Walk, reinforcing its commitment to cultural diversity, economic integration, and the promotion of the French language.
This year’s walk, held in Accra, also commemorated Ghana’s recent elevation to full membership status in the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)—a global body promoting political, educational, economic, and cultural cooperation among French-speaking nations.
A Walk of Unity and Opportunity
The walk began at Kwame Nkrumah Circle, passed through Ako-Adjei Interchange and Ridge Roundabout, and ended at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Head Office. Hundreds of participants—from local institutions to diplomatic missions and Francophone communities—joined the symbolic procession through the streets of Accra.
Francis Afelete, Policy Coordinator for La Francophonie at the Presidency, highlighted the event’s strategic significance, emphasizing how Ghana’s position in Francophone-dominated West Africa makes French language proficiency a key national asset.
“Ghana is surrounded by French-speaking countries. Naturally, we should be speaking the language. We must break the stereotypes and develop our own Ghanaian way of speaking French,” he said.
Afelete also revealed that 20 national projects are aligned with Francophonie principles, focusing on education, trade, tourism, and sustainable development.
Embracing French for Economic Growth
Tchitchi Kando-Ayiga, National Correspondent for Francophonie at the Ministry of Education, echoed this sentiment, stating that Ghana’s full membership in the OIF (since 2024) opens doors to new global economic, diplomatic, and developmental opportunities.
“We are redefining French in Ghana—making it accessible and practical. This is not just about language but a tool for transformation,” he said.
He stressed the language’s importance across sectors such as tourism, business, and foreign policy, encouraging Ghanaians to embrace French as a medium for national advancement.
A Broader Vision for Francophone Ghana
Mr. Alain Gbeasor, Team Lead for La Francophonie Secretariat at the Presidency, noted that the Francophonie Walk is part of a broader series of engagements celebrating the French language and its cultural richness. The event represents Ghana’s growing role in the global Francophone community.
Participants included representatives from diplomatic missions, educational institutions, civil society organizations, and Francophone residents, symbolizing unity and a shared vision for linguistic diversity and integration.
About the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)
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.
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