The French Ambassador to Ghana, Diarra Dimé-Labille, has reaffirmed France’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with Ghana, with discussions focusing on aviation, military training, regional security and language instruction.
She made the commitment during a courtesy call on the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, at the General Headquarters of the Ghana Armed Forces at Burma Camp on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
The visit provided an opportunity for the two countries to discuss matters of mutual interest and explore ways to deepen their bilateral defence partnership.
Madam Dimé-Labille expressed appreciation for Ghana’s acquisition of French-made Airbus H175 and H165 helicopters, as well as the Dassault Falcon 6X executive jet, highlighting opportunities for further collaboration in aviation and regional security.
She also acknowledged Ghana’s longstanding contribution to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which has operated in Southern Lebanon since 1978.
The Ambassador paid tribute to Ghanaian peacekeepers who have served with the mission over the years, particularly Lieutenant General Emmanuel Erskine, who was its first Force Commander.
She also expressed concern about the security situation in Southern Lebanon and noted that UNIFIL’s mandate was due to end in 2027.
The Ambassador further indicated France’s readiness to support the training of French-language instructors to promote the teaching of the language across Ghana.
She congratulated Ghana on becoming the next Chair of the African Union and wished the country a successful tenure.
In response, Lieutenant General Agyapong thanked the Ambassador for the visit and commended the French Defence Attaché, Colonel Grégoire Madelin, for his contribution to strengthening relations between the two countries.
He expressed appreciation to the French Government for its continued support to the Ghana Armed Forces, particularly in training.
On UNIFIL, the CDS said Ghana’s 48-year contribution to the mission demonstrated the country’s enduring commitment to peace and security in the region.
He added that Ghana remained committed to undertaking any potential roles in Southern Lebanon after the end of the UNIFIL mandate.
Lieutenant General Agyapong also highlighted the establishment of the Office of Defence Cooperation, a new department intended to provide a platform for strengthening defence collaboration between the Ghana Armed Forces and its French counterpart.
He called for expanded opportunities for French-language training within the military, explaining that proficiency in foreign languages would improve communication and cooperation with neighbouring French-speaking countries and other international partners.
The CDS said he looked forward to deeper collaboration between Ghana and France in training, capacity building and the exchange of professional expertise.
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