The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer for 2024, John Dramani Mahama, has chided President Akufo-Addo for causing a diplomatic strain between Ghana and Burkina Faso.
Mahama said comments passed by President Akufo-Addo have caused “diplomatic tension”.
He illustrated the importance of vigilance and cooperation with a local proverb: “When your neighbour’s beard is on fire, you fetch water and put it by your beard because it can spread to your own.”
President Akufo-Addo‘s comments that have been referenced by the former president were uttered when he spoke alongside U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on December 14, 2023.
He alleged that Burkina Faso had hired Russian mercenaries and offered a mine as payment to the Wagner Group.
“Today, Russian mercenaries are on our northern border. Burkina Faso has now entered into an arrangement to go along with Mali in employing the Wagner forces there,” Akufo-Addo stated, describing it as a troubling development for Ghana.
In response, Burkina Faso summoned Ghana’s Ambassador on December 16 for “explanations.”
Burkina Faso’s Foreign Ministry expressed its disapproval, stating that Ghana should have sought direct communication with Burkinabe authorities to obtain accurate information.
To address the fallout, Ghana’s National Security Minister, Mr. Kan-Dapaah, led a high-level delegation to Burkina Faso, including security chiefs and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration. Following these efforts, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to jointly combat terrorism in the West Africa region.