By: Yvonne Atilego
July 14, 2022 which is marked as France International Day will be described as a momentous one in the life of France Ambassador, Anne Sophie Ave. This is because, the day marked the end of her four-year duty tour as ambassador to Ghana.
Apart from President Akufo-Addo gracing the special day, it was the gathering of Ghana’s Music Industry.
In her address Madam Anne Sophie Avé was grateful for the love shown her throughout her stay in Ghana.
Apart from the fact that the day is a national holiday in France, it is a major event of the French revolution.
Known as Bastille Day, it is the common name given by English-speaking countries to the national day of France, which is celebrated on July 14 each year.
Here in Accra on the 14, the France Embassy was a sight to behold. Clad in their white attire, dignitaries from all walks of life and French citizens in the country joined Madam Anne Sophie Ave to celebrate the day and also to bid her farewell serving her tenure as ambassador.
President Akufo-Addo, who spoke French during his entire speech called for an increase in trade volumes between Accra and Paris in order to place Ghanaian products at the highest level of the value chain on the global market and create jobs for the youth.
President Akufo-Addo traced the relations between Ghana and France back to many centuries, and said “65 years ago on Ghana’s independence, the two nations established formal diplomatic relations which had been the basis of a strong and cordial cooperation.”
“Our next phase of the relationship between Ghana and France, which is 65 years now, should be dominated by growth in trade and investment cooperation, President Akufo-Addo stressed”.
“It is either they succeed or perish together; therefore, Ghana and France must keep on working to build a much stronger partnership for mutual benefit,” the President indicated.
President Akufo-Addo assured the French Ambassador that the country was ready to renew and deepen its relations with France for the prosperity and progress of their peoples.
He noted that while access to vaccines for developing countries, including Ghana, was difficult, France through COVAX donated vaccines to the country, and commended Madam Avé for her role in that effort.
ENTERTAINMENT
Meanwhile, it was a sight to behold to see President Akufo-Addo taking some dance steps during the 2022 France day celebration.
He danced to the admiration of everyone until the Ambassador of France Madam Anne Sophie Ave joined in the frenzy.
Now the biggest side attraction was the Musicians from Ghana Music Industry who graced the occasion.
Some celebrities at the event were Becca, Mr Drew, Bisa K Dei, Hajia for Real, Fameye, King Promise, Kwabena Kwabena and many others.
Even those who could not make it to the event sent a video message to thank Madam Anne Sophie Ave for supporting Ghana’s entertainment industry.
Madam Ave is said to have had a cordial relationship with 90percent of Ghana’s musicians.
This is why they graced the programme and took turns to sing to their tending tracks which got everyone dancing.
As usual fireworks are part of the French day celebration.
RECOGNITION
The French Ambassador, who had been made Nkosuohemaa in two regions in the country, commended the people of Ghana for their overwhelming support and hospitality during her duty tour.
She established a fund to be known as Akosua Fund to support some communities in the country.
