I pray for a day when our continent will have a common indigenous language – Ablakwa

Ghana has marked its first celebration as a full member of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), a significant diplomatic milestone for the country.

The flag-raising ceremony, held at the forecourt of the State House in Accra, also commemorated the 55th anniversary of the organisation under the theme “I Educate Myself, Therefore I Act.”

Delivering the keynote address, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening bilingualism and cross-cultural collaboration.

He emphasized that Ghana’s elevation to full membership at the 19th Francophonie Summit in France last October is a strategic step toward enhancing regional integration and fostering stronger ties with its Francophone neighbors, including Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Benin, and Togo.

Minister Ablakwa highlighted the theme’s significance, stressing the crucial role of quality education in addressing global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and technological disparities.

He reiterated President John Dramani Mahama’s pledge to expand educational infrastructure, enhance teacher welfare, and promote indigenous languages as a medium of instruction in early education.

“We are convinced that this is one of the surest ways of preserving our indigenous languages and culture while maximizing educational outcomes,” he stated.

He further advocated for a Pan-African indigenous language to unify the continent, calling for sustained efforts in preserving Africa’s linguistic heritage.

“In the spirit of Pan-Africanism, I pray for the day our continent will have a common indigenous language that can be understood by all Africans from West, East, South, North, and Africans living beyond the shores of our continent, this cannot be wishful thinking. This is an ideal we all can work towards if we put our minds and hearts to it, ” he prayed.

Addressing concerns about recent tensions within La Francophonie, Minister Ablakwa acknowledged the troubling trend of some member states distancing themselves from the organisation.

He urged leaders to prioritize peace, trust, and institutional reforms to restore confidence and unity 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, reaffirming Ghana’s role as a peacemaker in international diplomacy.

The event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, traditional leaders, students, and representatives from La Francophonie.

Students who attended expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities for educational and cultural exchange that Ghana’s membership in the OIF presents.

 

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