By Rachel Kakraba and Grace Serwaah Mensah
France Ambassador to Ghana, Diarra Dimé Labille, has pledged her commitment to strengthening ties between the two countries during her tenure. She stated that under her leadership, tangible progress will be achieved in key areas including health, trade, cultural exchange, education and security cooperation.
She was speaking at a news conference held at her residence in Accra on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. The meeting, which was her maiden formal engagement with the Ghanaian media, provided a platform for her to outline her vision, as well as an opportunity for journalists to ask questions.
Study opportunities for students
Ambassador Diarra Dimé Labille highlighted several priority areas she will focus on during her tenure. She identified education as a major priority area, stating that the number of Ghanaian students studying in France has increased over the years.
“Since Ghana is an Anglophone country, you can easily assume most of them are studying in the UK or the US or other Anglophone countries. But I was really surprised to see the increased numbers going to France to study, because now in France you can study in English as well.”
She stressed that under her leadership, student exchanges between Ghana and France will be boosted to enable more French students to study in Ghana as well.
“We’re also trying to promote French students to come and spend some time studying here as well.”
Deepened collaborations
The Ambassador mentioned that Ghana is a vital partner for France in West Africa, a bond which, under her leadership, will be elevated to new heights to serve the interests of both countries.
“For President Emmanuel Macron, as a young president himself, he really wants to strengthen his vision with new partnerships when it comes to the African continent.”
She stated that recent trade figures between Ghana and France have revealed an interesting trend, with Ghana exporting more goods to France. She indicated that this is a positive sign, as it presents an opportunity for both countries to further balance and diversify trade while strengthening economic cooperation for mutual benefit.
“The volume of trade from Ghana to France is more than the volume of trade from France to Ghana, which is very interesting, meaning that we have a deficit when it comes to the trade balance. Some companies in France are really very interested in opportunities here in Ghana and want to invest.”
On sub-regional security, Ambassador Labille said: “President Macron said it last week in Paris that he really believes the situation will be solved by Africans. At the end of the day, we are working closely with Ghana, and not only France; we also have the EU, UK, US and other European countries.”
Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth Summit
The Ambassador also provided insights into the upcoming Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth Summit, scheduled to take place in Nairobi from May 11 to 12, 2026.
The summit, she said, is a milestone in strengthening relations between France and the African continent and reflects robust and balanced partnerships.
“The summit will focus on the economic side of things. We are going to have the business segment, which will be the backbone of the summit. It will bring together companies from African countries and from Europe, particularly France, for B2B meetings to explore investment opportunities.
“There will also be meetings with African entrepreneurs, as well as other segments related to health.”
Deepening media relations
Ambassador Labille acknowledged the role of the media and hinted at plans to create collaborative opportunities for journalists in both Ghana and France.
Ghanaian hospitality
The Ambassador, who has been in the country for the past six months, described her appointment to Ghana as a significant step in her professional journey, noting that she has found the experience fulfilling.
She said the warm reception from Ghanaians, along with their willingness to offer support when needed, has made her stay both meaningful and rewarding.
“Ghanaians are open, warm and genuinely ready to help me, which is great. I am enjoying my time here, both personally and professionally, and I have no regrets.”
She expressed appreciation to Ghanaians for their hospitality.
About Ambassador Diarra Dimé Labille
Her Excellency Diarra Dimé Labille holds a degree in law and is an experienced lawyer in European law, international law, human rights, international humanitarian law and public international law. She is also an expert in international justice and its institutions.
She has served in various positions, including as a legal adviser at embassies and France’s permanent representation abroad since 2014.
In August 2024, she joined the office of the French President as Adviser on Africa and the Diaspora, where she leveraged her expertise on African contexts. She was responsible for political and security issues.
As part of the renewal of relations between France and Africa, she also oversaw the memorial dimensions of the transformational agenda.
She was appointed Ambassador of France to Ghana in September 2025, and her leadership is expected to further strengthen relations between the two countries.
