Ghana’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Boniface Gambila has taken exception to recent statements made by NDC flagbearer, John Mahama, concerning the bilateral relationship between Ghana and Burkina Faso.
John Mahama has chastised President Akufo-Addo for purportedly straining Ghana’s relationship with Burkina Faso, resulting in ‘diplomatic tension’. Mahama made these comments during a media engagement in the Upper East Region, where he stressed the need for strong ties with neighboring countries, especially in light of the growing terror threats from the Sahel region.
Ambassador Boniface Gambila condemned former President John Mahama’s comments, calling them inappropriate and potentially inflammatory. He expressed concern that Mahama’s remarks could incite Burkinabes against Ghanaians.
He suggested that Mahama’s actions were unbecoming of a former president, saying ‘he’s trying to incite Burkinabes against Ghana, which is very bad.’ Gambila clarified that President Akufo-Addo’s statements on the matter were aimed at securing US support and resources to aid Burkina Faso’s fight against terrorism.
Ambassador Gambila noted that the success of President Akufo-Addo’s US meeting, which yielded significant support for Ghana, is a testament to the effectiveness of his diplomatic efforts. He cautioned that former President Mahama’s contradictory narrative could potentially muddy the waters and undermine the progress made. He emphasized that the outcome of the US meeting clearly demonstrated the value of President Akufo-Addo’s message, and that Mahama’s alternative account may only serve to complicate the issue.
He highlighted President Akufo-Addo has been a supportive partner to Burkina Faso, and therefore, former President Mahama’s comments should be dismissed as misleading. He urged that Mahama’s remarks be disregarded, highlighting President Akufo-Addo’s constructive contributions to bilateral relations.
