The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally denied the claims made by Former President John Dramani Mahama concerning the alleged deterioration of relations between Ghana and Burkina Faso.
The Ministry emphasized that allegations of diplomatic strain are entirely baseless, lacking concrete evidence or credible grounds to support them.
“The attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has been drawn to a publication on myjoyonline.com dated 7th August 2024 in respect of allegations made by Former President John Mahama during his media interaction in the Upper East Region, that H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s recent commentary and engagement with the United States Government have affected the relationship between the Republic of Ghana and the Republic of Burkina Faso causing ‘diplomatic tension’ between the two States.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
The Ministry emphasized that H.E. the President’s leadership has been marked by a commitment to building strong, respectful relationships with all countries, including Burkina Faso, through proactive and constructive diplomatic efforts.
These efforts, according to the Ministry, have successfully promoted cooperation, understanding, and collaboration between Ghana and its international partners.
The Ministry pointed out that a ministerial delegation’s visit to Burkina Faso in December 2022, followed by a presidential visit in 2023, was warmly received with the highest honors and hospitality, underscoring the deepening friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
These visits reaffirmed the commitment of Ghana and Burkina Faso to strengthening their bilateral ties, fostering collaboration in various areas, and promoting mutual prosperity for the benefit of their citizens and the region according to the Ministry.
The Ministry also emphasized that security cooperation remains a vital aspect of the bilateral relationship between the two nations, featuring prominently in their ongoing exchanges.
As such, the Ministry affirmed that the robust cooperation between Ghana and Burkina Faso, particularly in key areas, serves as a testament to the exceptional strength and depth of their bilateral relationship.
Ghana-Burkina Faso Border Cooperation
Moreover, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the bilateral border commissions, consisting of various agencies including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Lands Commission, law enforcement, and customs officials, have been engaged in productive cooperation on matters of Ghana and Burkina Faso’s shared border.
The Ministry also mentioned that the National Electricity Company of Burkina Faso (SONABEL) has been collaborating closely with its Ghanaian counterpart, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), on power generation initiatives.
“Furthermore, Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority has established a presence in Burkina Faso to facilitate the transport of goods from the Tema Harbor to Burkina Faso. Regular exchanges between the Chamber of Commerce of both countries also confirm the strength of our cooperation”
“A seven (7) member delegation from the Burkinabe Ministry of Territorial Administration, Decentralization and Security purposely chose Ghana for their working visit in July 2024 to learn from Ghana’s best practices in the area of Forensic Science and Police Laboratory”
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
The Ministry noted that Ghana continues to attract a significant number of Burkinabe students who come to the country to improve their English language skills, making it a popular destination for language studies.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, led by its current leadership, reaffirmed its commitment to conducting diplomacy with integrity, adhering to the principles of diplomatic excellence, and fostering peaceful cooperation on the international stage.
The Ministry stressed that Ghana remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing a strong and fruitful diplomatic partnership with Burkina Faso, built on the foundations of mutual respect, trust, and cooperation, ensuring a harmonious and productive relationship between the two nations.
The Ministry, accordingly, urged a shift in focus towards fostering greater understanding, strengthening bilateral relations, and building a stronger bond with Burkina Faso, rather than perpetuating misinformation that only serves to erode the foundations of international collaboration and cooperation.
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