Akufo-Addo commands the newly built French chancellery in first public act as president

Nana Akufo-Addo performed her first public act as president on Friday when he commissioned the newly constructed chancellery building of the French Embassy in Accra.

The construction of the new facility which started in 2017 replaces the already existing one next to the Jubilee House.

This was after some security concerns were raised regarding the location of the building and the fact that it shares a wall with the seat of government.

After a series of negotiations, a new site in Cantonment was awarded to the French government for the construction of a new chancellery.

Upon commissioning the facility, the new sworn-in president acknowledged Ghana’s growing cordial and bilateral relations with France.

According to him, this can be attributed to a common vision and belief in democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

“Indeed, the Ghanaian people appreciate the support that France gives us in the sectors of agriculture, rural and urban development, local administration, education, transport, water and ‘sanitation among others,’ he added.

Regarding the Covid-19 pandemic in Ghana, the president indicated that the various supports received from France played a role in the government’s ability to mitigate the impact on the economy.

“When the covid-19 pandemic struck, France was one of the countries that demonstrated its solidarity with Ghana through the launch of the € 1.2 billion joint health initiative and the donation of kits to the Noguchi Memorial Institute which has greatly contributed to the effective measures put in place by the government.

“So I am optimistic that Ghana and France will continually seek ways to cooperate.

“I have no doubt that together our two countries can forge an even stronger partnership for the mutual benefit of our people.”

According to President Akufo-Addo, “Ghana is ready to renew and deepen its relationship with France for the prosperity and progress of our two peoples and the opening of the Chancellery in Accra should be a sprint in our step in this direction.

Meanwhile, the president is expected in his hometown of Kyebi in the Eastern region for a thanksgiving service following his inauguration for a second term.