Ghana Celebrates Francophonie Walk 2025
Ghana joined 92 other member countries on Saturday, April 12, 2025, to celebrate the annual 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)
Established on March 20, 1970, the OIF brings together 93 Member States and Governments including 56 full members, 5 associate members, and 32 observers. Headquartered in Paris, the OIF represents over 321 million French speakers across five continents.
Founded by visionaries such as Léopold Sédar Senghor, Habib Bourguiba, Hamani Diori, and King Norodom Sihanouk, the OIF promotes solidarity through language, culture, and development cooperation. It supports multilateral programs throug
