Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has expressed the highest optimism over Ghana acquiring full membership status of the International Organsiation of La Francophonie.
The International Organsiation of La Francophonie also known as Organisation internationale de la Francophonie is an international organisation representing countries and regions where French is a lingua franca or customary language, where a significant proportion of the population are francophones, or where there is a notable affiliation with French culture.
Ghana is currently an Associate state of the organisation and is hopeful to attain full membership by the end of 2024 in order to strengthen cooperation between itself and its neighbours.
Speaking at a flag-raising ceremony to commemorate the 53rd anniversary of the International Organisation of La Francophonie, OIF, Foreign Affairs Minister, Madam Ayorkor Botchwey, noted that “I believe La Francophonie is more poised than ever to take up the challenges of the 21st century through economic cooperation and the development of cultural and creative industries in the quest for a better life for the younger generations.
“Ghana is therefore very excited to become a full member of this essential organisation, whose relevance to the socio-economic development of our country cannot be overlooked. We are happy to be part of this drive, which aligns with the vision of the government of Ghana,” she added.
The 53rd anniversary of the International Organisation of La Francophonie, OIF, was held in Accra.
During the event, Madam Ayorkor Botchwey underscored the relevance of supporting education and research in French. This, she believes, will promote economic cooperation between Ghana and Francophone countries in line with sustainable development.
“The various agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between Ghana and the OIF have accorded Ghana the opportunity to enjoy fruitful collaboration with organisations and its head member states. The linguistic plan signed in May 2018 and the teacher mobility program are notable examples of our engagements. Within the context of the Teacher Mobility Programme, Ghana has played host to over 20 French teachers drawn from various Francophone countries who are helping to improve the quality of teaching and learning French in all the regions of the country across various sectors,” she noted.
The International Organisation of La Francophonie is an 88-member Francophone community that has, for the past 53 years, become a diverse political, economic, and cultural space, contributing to maintaining global peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.
It accounts for more than one-point-five million people in the world, representing one third of UN member countries. With nearly 20 percent of global trade, the organisation accounts for 16 percent of the world’s GDP. Ghana is closely associated with the Francophonie and shares its principles of peace, diversity, democracy, and human rights, among others.
Ghana has, since 2006, had the status of an associate member within the International Organisation of La Francophonie. Madam Ayorkor Botchwey was hopeful Ghana will achieve full membership status at the 2024 summit of the organisation.