The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has made an impassioned plea to the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), urging members to prioritise peace, trust, and institutional reform amid troubling exits by some nations in the sub-region.

Speaking at a flag-raising ceremony at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra to commemorate the 55th anniversary of La Francophonie, the minister expressed concern over the organisation’s unity as Ghana steps into its new role as a full member.

“It should have been a greater joy that as Ghana attains full membership of La Francophonie, we come to join a more united, formidable, and rising La Francophonie.

“Unfortunately, we attain full membership at a time some of our compatriots —fellow nations in the sub-region — are leaving. This must be troubling to all of us,” he added.

Positioning Ghana as a potential bridge for reconciliation, he said, “We must address the deep suspicion threatening our unity. Let’s give peace, trust, and institutional reform a chance.”

The ceremony, themed "I educate myself, therefore I act," marked Ghana’s first observance of the anniversary as a full member, following its elevation from associate status at the 19th Summit in France in October 2024.

Ablakwa, hosting the event for the first time as foreign minister, traced Ghana’s journey with the OIF, which began as an associate member in 2006 at the 11th Summit in Bucharest, Romania, and linked its full membership to President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of regional integration and good neighborliness.

He also expressed hope that Ghana’s entry could catalyse positive change within the OIF.

“It is my fervent desire that Ghana’s full membership will serve as an omen of reconciliation and positive re-engagement,” he said, citing the country’s reputation as a peacemaker and Mahama’s peacebuilding approach.

Beyond the plea for unity, the minister tied the event’s theme to Ghana’s educational goals.

He reiterated President Mahama’s pledge to promote indigenous languages in early education to preserve Africa’s linguistic heritage, which faces a 10% extinction risk within a century, according to UNESCO. In a Pan-African vision, he called for a common African language to unite the continent.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs concluded by reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to OIF values—democracy, human rights, and sustainable development.

Dignitaries present at the flag-raising ceremony included the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps, chiefs led by the Osu Alata Mantse, and the West Africa Representative of the OIF, Ambassador Thi Hoang Mai Tran.

GA/AE

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