The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has called on stronger nations to demonstrate greater solidarity with countries that bear the consequences of their decisions, warning that shifts in the global order continue to expose smaller states to growing vulnerabilities.
Representing the Government of Ghana at France’s National Day celebration in Accra, the Minister anchored her remarks on the French Republic’s national motto: Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité, describing the principles as enduring values that have fostered mutual respect among sovereign states and formed the bedrock of international law in protecting the vulnerable.
Delivering the keynote address as the Guest of Honour at the French National Day reception held at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel, she observed that the changing global order, increasingly characterised by unilateral actions by major powers, continues to place disproportionate pressure on smaller and developing countries.
“These values which have inspired democratic societies across the world need to be strongly upheld, especially at this moment in history, when many societies are under siege and the rights and freedoms of their peoples are under severe strain. We must take a moment to observe how, when strong countries sneeze, the smaller countries catch a cold. And we must choose to stand with those countries that catch the cold,” she stated.
The Minister reaffirmed Ghana’s longstanding foreign policy commitment to peace, multilateralism and a rules-based international order, stressing that the country’s republican ideals remain firmly rooted in the principles of human dignity, equality, inclusive development and respect for the inherent worth of every individual.
She also welcomed the French Ambassador to Ghana, Diarra Dime-Labille, who presented her Letters of Credence to President John Dramani Mahama in April 2026, as the celebration coincided with nearly ten months of the Ambassador’s diplomatic assignment in Ghana.
Dzifa Gomashie assured the Ambassador of the Government of Ghana’s continued support in advancing the strategic objectives of Ghana-France relations, particularly in the areas of education, culture, defence, tourism, economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, while expressing confidence that her tenure would further deepen the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
As Minister responsible for tourism and the creative arts, she expressed optimism about expanding collaboration between Ghana and France in the cultural and creative industries, citing the Embassy’s longstanding support for initiatives promoting film, fashion, cultural exchange, the arts and other creative enterprises.
She further reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with France in innovation, technology transfer, responsible investment and value addition as Ghana pursues economic transformation and industrialisation.
“As governments pursue the path of economic revitalization and sustainable industrialization, we welcome partnerships that promote innovation, technology transfer, value addition, responsible investment and the great transformation of our economy. Partnerships such as the one we enjoy with France will continue to play an important role,” she added.
The French National Day reception brought together senior government officials, Members of Parliament, diplomats, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, business leaders and stakeholders from Ghana’s tourism and creative arts sectors to celebrate the enduring friendship and expanding strategic partnership between Ghana and France, while networking over dinner and cultural performances.
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