The Department of Modern Languages is celebrating its Francophone week under the theme: “French in Ghana: carrier issues and Perspectives.” Among the activities for the celebration was a seminar organized in collaboration with the Department, French Resource centre and the French students Association [FRENSA].
In his address the President of the French Students Association, Mr. Jonas Suubar said the week -long event was celebrated world wide in francophone countries and was not out of place for the French embassy to facilitate this programme here on campus. As part of the activities marking the francophone week, an Open FRENSA Games with the Association of Ivorian students in Ghana was held to foster unity and friendship among French students.
The Director of Alliance Francaise, Kumasi, Mr. Julien Dal Bosco, encouraged students to learn the French language very well and be masters in it. He cited examples as having teachers in his school, and employees who are French graduates from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science Technology.
Margaret Dawson-Amoah, a National Service Person at the Department, said learning French is an achievement for her and a boost on her curriculum vitae for it has enabled her to work at places and translated a lot of manuscripts which she deems a plus to her working experience, she advised students and members present to make it a point to learn French and learn it well.
The Provost of the College of Science, Prof.Aboagye Menyeh said, “for areas of research and scholarship, applicants with very good knowledge in French are considered, this has helped bridge various barriers in academic circles, and improved relationship between the French government and government of Ghana”.
Mr. Akwasi Acheampong, who received an award from the French Embassy, agreed with the provost and added that his knowledge in French enabled him to attain a scholarship to further his studies at the University of Paris. He thanked the French resource centre for the scholarship assistance.
The Acting Dean of the School of Business, Mr.J .M Frimpong, encouraged students to see French as an important language. Mr. Frimpong said, to get a job in the ECOWAS region requires knowledge in French, hence the need to take French seriously.
Prof. Opoku Agyemang, a lecturer at the department of modern languages, enlightened students on job opportunities like the electronic media where they can work, and print media where they can write editorials in French for the public. Again, he said some Reverend Ministers have been able to penetrate the French community because of their ability to preach in French, English and Twi.
He further advised participants to learn French in addition to the English language, because people in the francophone countries do learn English so they are able to fit into any gathering.Dr Wilhelmina Donkor, a Senior lecturer at the Department of History in her contribution, said gradually French has gained roots in Ghana, especially in the area of fashion, food and other lifestyles. She added that French should not be compulsory but should be implemented effectively for it to be attractive to students and non-students.
Present at the seminar was the Vice Chancellor, Provosts, Deans, lecturers and non-teaching staff.
