24/11/2025
*French Embassy Hosts Farewell Reception for Lebanese Ambassador Maher Kheir*
The French Embassy in Accra hosted a farewell reception in honour of the Lebanese Ambassador to Ghana and Chair of the Francophone Ambassadors Group (GAF), H.E. Maher Kheir. The event, held at the invitation of the French Ambassador, H.E. Ms.Diarra DIME-LABILLE, brought together several Francophone ambassadors, Ghanaian officials, members of the French mission, and representatives of educational and cultural institutions.
In her remarks, the French Ambassador praised Ambassador Kheir’s outstanding leadership during his four-year tenure as Chair of the Francophone Ambassadors Group. She highlighted the close cooperation that marked the group’s work during this period, commending his efforts to strengthen the presence of the Francophonie in Ghana. She also underscored his role in advancing activities related to Francophonie Month and the annual Francophonie Festival, as well as his contribution to supporting Ghana’s progress toward full membership in the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).
During the ceremony, a message of appreciation from the OIF Representative in West Africa, Ms. Thi Hoang Mai, was read aloud. In her letter, she expressed deep gratitude for Ambassador Kheir’s commitment and impactful leadership as Chair of the Francophone Ambassadors Group. She praised his efforts in reinforcing Francophone ties among member states and energising collaborative cultural and educational initiatives. The message also highlighted the lasting significance of his initiatives, including the institutionalisation of annual traditions such as the Francophonie flag-raising ceremony and the cultural march held during the festival—an enduring legacy that will continue to support Francophone engagement in the coming years.
Ambassador Kheir, in his address, conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to Ambassador DIME-LABILLE and fellow diplomats for their continuous support. He suggested that the French Ambassador would assume the interim chairmanship of the Francophone Ambassadors Group until the election of a new chair, acknowledging her active role and steadfast commitment to the values of the Francophonie.
The reception concluded with an exchange of symbolic gifts and group photographs, in a warm and collegial atmosphere that reflected the spirit of cooperation that has shaped the work of the Francophone Ambassadors Group in recent years.
