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President Akufo-Addo has hinted that Ghana will this year, apply to be a fully recognized member of the International Organization of La Francophone (OIF), an organization dedicated to the promotion of the French language as well as political, educational, economic, and cultural cooperation among its 88 member countries.
Ghana, an English-speaking West African state, is currently an associate member of the International Organization of La Francophone. Ghana joined the OIF in 2006 and is seeking to change her membership status from an associate to a full membership of the OIF.
According to President Akufo-Addo it is time for Ghana to embrace the French language fully because she is surrounded by French-speaking countries to its North, East, and West.
“Ghana, an anglophone country, is only one of a handful of countries that enjoy membership in both the Commonwealth and La Francophonie, a situation we value very much.
“That is why we are determined to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation with La Francophonie by transitioning from an associate member to a full member,” President Akufo-Addo said.
He said this when addressing attendees of a flag-raising ceremony to commemorate the 54th anniversary of the International Organisation of La Francophonie today, Wednesday, 20 March 2024, at the forecourt of the State House.
He added “Ghana, a strong, functioning democracy, shares the aims and values of La Francophonie and we look forward to playing a significant role in the realization of these values. I am particularly happy that this transition will take place during my mandate as President of the Republic.”
La Francophonie
The Francophonie refers to men and women who share a common language: French. It is estimated that there are over 321 million French speakers across five continents.
The Charter of the Francophonie defines the institution; its highest authority, the Summit of the Francophonie; and its cornerstone, the Secretary General of the Francophonie, a position currently held by Louise Mushikiwabo.
The OIF implements multilateral francophone cooperation projects alongside the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie [Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie] and four operating agencies:
Agence universitaire de la Francophonie [Association of Francophone Universities], TV5MONDE, Association internationale des maires francophones [International Association of Francophone Mayors], and Université Senghor [Senghor University] in Alexandria.
The Francophonie’s mission mandates are; to promote the French language and cultural and linguistic diversity, promote peace, democracy, and human rights, support education, training, higher education, and research, and foster economic cooperation to bolster sustainable development.
