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The French Ambassador to Ghana, Jules Armand Aniambossou, has drawn curtains on his service in Ghana, and is expected to return to France as his three-year service as the French chief diplomat in Ghana has ended.
At a ceremony held at his residence in Accra last Friday evening, the French Ambassador announced his departure—without disclosing the exact date—in the presence of embassy staff, fellow diplomats and invited guests.
Mr Armand-Aniambossou assumed leadership of the French Mission in 2022, succeeding former Ambassador, Anne-Sophie Avé, who had served for three years.
The French Ambassador highlighted the evolving nature of France’s relationship with Ghana, noting that the traditional image of France in Africa had undergone a significant transformation in recent years.
He emphasised the importance of working with countries such as Ghana in new and renewed forms, adding that France could share its experiences and expertise with Ghana, while also learning from the country's unique challenges and opportunities.
“Obviously, for our security in Europe and in France, we have to work with partners all over the world. Because the threat is not only in France, it can come from far away to touch France.
“So, working with a country like Ghana is essential, but in new and renewed forms, which will have experiences of what we have lived elsewhere, in the past, not so long ago. That's why the relationship is good,” the French Ambassador said.
He further reflected on the legacy of cooperation between France and Ghana, expressing confidence that the relationship between the two countries would continue to grow and evolve, driven by mutual respect and a shared commitment to economic development and peace.
Mr Aniambossou stressed the need for enhanced economic cooperation and wealth creation between France and Ghana. He praised French entrepreneurs and companies operating in Ghana, noting that they embodied the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.
“For this relationship to be better, between neighbouring continents, you have to have something to share, to create wealth. So, you have to work, you have to produce, you have to create conditions so that this production is as inclusive as possible,” he said.
The Ambassador said economic development and inclusive growth were essential pillars for sustaining peace and stability.
He expressed deep appreciation for Ghanaians, whom he described as warm and welcoming, and especially thanked his staff and the French community with whom he had worked to deliver on his mandate.
In his address, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Maher Kheir—who also serves as the President of the Francophone Ambassadors and Lebanese Ambassador to Ghana—expressed gratitude to the departing French Ambassador for maintaining a cordial relationship with his colleagues.
He affirmed the cordial relations between Lebanon and France, noting that they were deeply rooted in history, shared memories, and the hearts of the two peoples.
“This secular friendship, nourished by culture, francophonie and the sharing of values, remains a beacon that still enlightens us today. Here in Ghana, we have had the honour of leading so many initiatives together, to carry high the flag of francophonie and to bring our people closer to those of Ghana and the vast francophone world.
“These moments will remain engraved as testimonies of fraternity and common commitment,” he said.
Mr Kheir added that, although the French Ambassador’s departure saddened him, he believed that wherever he would go in his next adventure, the same flame and passion for the dialogue of culture and friendship, and friendship between nations would be maintained.
