The Ambassador of France to Ghana, Her Excellency Diarra Dime-Labille, has reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s defence and security efforts.
She made the commitment when she paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Defence, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, at the Ministry of Defence.
The engagement focused on strengthening the longstanding defence relations between Ghana and France and identifying new areas of cooperation.
Expressing her appreciation for the reception, Her Excellency Dime-Labille underscored the longstanding relations between Ghana and France and expressed France’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.
She also highlighted the importance of promoting the learning of the French language within GAF, noting that more than ten French language centres are operating across GAF garrisons.
She reaffirmed France’s readiness to support the continuous training and professional development of GAF officers as part of efforts to deepen the partnership between the two countries.
The Minister expressed appreciation to the Government of France for its continuous support to Ghana, particularly the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
He highlighted France’s assistance in the acquisition of the Airbus Helicopter and its support to the Ghana Navy in securing the Gulf of Guinea through joint exercises, visits by French naval vessels and professional training for personnel.
He also acknowledged the assistance provided by a French Navy Ship during a recent piracy attack in Ghanaian waters and further noted that negotiations were far advanced for the French shipbuilding company, OCEA, to construct a Fast Patrol Vessel for the Ghana Navy, with support from the French Government.
Hon Adjei also discussed Ghana’s efforts to combat illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, and expressed gratitude to France for its support in helping the country address the menace.
He further appealed for strengthened cooperation in cybersecurity, stressing the need for enhanced capacity to safeguard Ghana’s critical systems and infrastructure against emerging cyber threats.
The envoy was accompanied by the French Defence Attaché, Colonel Grégoire Madelin, and other members of the delegation from the French Embassy.
