Francophone Ambassadors Group in Ghana to celebrate the International Francophonie Day, the Lebanese Embassy in partnership with Net 36 Vista, organised a huge competition under the theme: ‘Francophone’s Got Talent.’
The event coordinated by GAF, which is the first of its kind attracted more than 100 contestants competing in various art forms such as singing, dancing, poetry, comedy, rap, and fashion show in the presence of a number of Ambassadors and the diplomatic corps in Ghana.
They include Ambassador of France, Switzerland, Canada, Egypt, UNESCO as well as an audience of Lebanese and various nationalities, especially from French-speaking countries.
Participants competed in front of a jury of celebrities, while Maher Kheir, the Ambassador of Lebanon to Ghana and President of the Group of Francophone Ambassadors delivered a speech in which he noted that Lebanon was a beacon of multiculturalism.
He noted that the “Francophone’s Got Talent” initiative “reflects the diversity of Lebanon and the French-speaking cultures which are so rich and diverse.”
Lebanon, he stressed, had “always been a crossroads of cultures and languages, and the Francophonie has always been a key element of this diversity and cooperation between French-speaking countries.”
He lauded Lebanese for contributing to cultural diversity noting “they have always played a major role in the promotion of cultural diversity – one of the fundamental values of La Francophonie whose international day we celebrate.”
Mr Kheir commended the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) for being a strong advocate of multiculturalism and diversity.
He stated that French language was a major tool for national and international integration of people around the world particularly in Lebanon where the French language played a key role in cultural adaptation.
“This language occupies an important place in Lebanon, as it is one of the official languages of the country. It is also important for Lebanese abroad, who maintain close ties with their country of origin while adapting to the cultures and languages of the countries where they live,” he said.
According to him, Francophone countries needed to adapt to each other, learn from each other in order to grow together in fast-changing world.
“We have a lot to learn from each other, and the French language has a great way to facilitate this exchange,” he stressed.
He urged members of the Francophone community in Ghana to be examples of the values of the Francophonie adding that, “together we can promote peace, development, security and prosperity in our societies.”
The event saw awards and prizes given to different winners on the night.
Vouchers worth GH¢2000 of Lebanese companies were given to winners of various categories while many gifts from the Swiss Embassy, Canadian High Commission and the Lebanese Embassy were presented to other winners.
The highly successful event saw the ultimate winner go home with a round trip ticket to Lebanon.
