Ghana to host Dominik Cooper and Fafa Ruffino

The event, which celebrates the French language, will also host concerts, a job application skills workshop, sporting events, film screening, debates, French competitions and a stand-up comedy. Besides Coco’s concert, other programmes will take place on selected days between 14 to 24 March.

“Since 2006,” says an official statement from the organisers, “Ghana has had the status of associated member within the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF in French)

“The Francophone community in Ghana commends the tremendous efforts the Ghanaian government is making to improve regional integration through the development of the French language across the country. On the 1st of February, the Council of Francophone ambassadors in Ghana called on H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo at the Presidency.”

One of the matters discussed between the council and the president was the “support for government’s initiatives in education and cooperation in pivotal sectors including culture, sports, security, economic relations and the public service.” Also discussed was the issue of reinforcing “relations between Ghana and the International Organisation of La Francophonie through the establishment of a linguistic pact.”

This year’s celebration will feature some spoken word performances and will see a dozen children taught to sing in French and English by Beninoise artist Fafa Ruffino.

Guadeloupe pop act Dominik Coco will perform at the Alliance Francaise on Saturday 10 March. According to the organisers he will “uplift you with his unique style to launch the fortnight of the Francophonie.

“The opening concert of this dynamic festival features the indefatigable Dominik Coco all the way from Guadeloupe. His unique style of zouk infused with acoustic music creates an interesting mix of new urban and Caribbean currents. You are guaranteed to dance all night long.”

Congolese act Phil Darwin is scheduled to appear at the closing ceremony of the event. His performance on the night, say the organisers, will feature songs on “an unprecedented variety on the themes of love, women, integration, and current events”.