By: Rachel Kakraba
France has renewed commitment to deepen skills development and wealth creation among Ghanaian youth. As a strong partner of Ghana, it will further deepen voluntary work among the youth. This is expected to be carried out through an educational exchange programme between the two countries.
France Ambassador to Ghana, Jules Armand Aniambossou, said this at a reception to commemorate French National Day, Accra on Friday 14th July 2023.
He disclosed a proposal to this effect will soon be sent to the government for approval. He encouraged Ghanaians especially the youth to avail themselves for the opportunity when implementation begins.
“I would like to highlight the new exchange programme which will even enable more Ghanaians to study in France and French students to come and study in Ghana. We need not only mutual respect, we need equality, but we also need reciprocity, we have a lot to learn from the African continent and there are some areas that France, but beyond France Europe we can learn a lot from the Africans”
The ambassador renewed France’s commitment to Ghana’s healthcare sector, particularly, in the areas of HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Speaking on behalf of president Akufo-Addo, Presidential Advisor Yaw Osafo Marfo, said collaboration between France and Ghana over the years has been remarkable. He challenged France to support and leverage on the government’s flagship programmes such as the National Entrepreneurship Innovation Plan and the Youstart initiative, to create sustainable jobs for Ghana’s teeming youth.
While extolling the contribution of France to Ghana’s economy he said Ghana remains committed to the strong bonds of friendship between the two countries which will be enhanced to build a peaceful future for all.
“The initiative by the French embassy targeting innovation and creation of jobs for the youth, resonates with the government of Ghana’s agenda. I use this opportunity to call on our two nations to explore how to leverage flagship programmes such as the national Entrepreneurship Innovation Plan and the Youstart initiative under the Ghana covid 19, Alleviation and revitalization of enterprises support programme to create sustainable jobs for our teeming youth going forward”.
Mr. Osafo Marfo, further encouraged French investors to take advantage of the conducive environment in Ghana to invest in the country.
Adding on he said “the government of Ghana again wishes to extend its appreciation to the government of France for its support leading to the IMF Board approval. Indeed, France gave Ghana all the support that we need for the IMF programme, we are most grateful”
About France National Day
France National Day, also known as Bastille Day, is celebrated on July 14 each year. It honours the storming of the Bastille, in 1789, which sparked a major event of the French Revolution. The storming is seen as a symbol of freedom and democracy.
The day has since 1880 become an official holiday, where speeches, military parades, and fireworks, along with public revelry, have become part of the celebration. The French Embassy in Ghana, organized a reception to commemorate the day.
Dignitaries who graced the occasion included, Former First lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, members of the diplomatic corps, academia, traditional leaders, and school children among others.