The Former President John Dramani Mahama and flag bearer of the NDC has accused President Akuffo-Addo for being responsible for the perceived tension between the country and its West African counterpart, Burkina Faso.
Mr. Mahama, in a media encounter following the end of his four-day tour in the Upper East region, emphasized the need for Ghana to strengthen its relationship with Burkina Faso, amidst growing security concerns in the sub-region.
“We know what is happening in Burkina Faso, indeed we should be working closer with our comrades in Burkina Faso,” he said.
Mr. Mahama noted that the current government has created tension between the two nations. He asserted that the incumbent government posture with the Burkina Faso tension resulted into dire consequences on Ghana.
“Our president went and opened his mouth too wide… he went and was doing “konkonsa” about your neighbor, we all are here, we are suffering, America called you small, and you are so excited, and then your neighbor you are being concerned about him”.
John Dramani Mahama Flag bearer of the NDC
Mr. Mahama further acknowledged that although President Akuffo Addo has apologized for his comments, there is still more needs to be done to repair the relationship.
He indicated that when government changes, his party which is the NDC when it comes to power would have to go back and the government would have to go and talk to “our neighbors” and that we need to work together.
Regional Border Cooperation to Address Security Tension in Burkina Faso
Moreover, the flag bearer of the NDC, former President John Dramani Mahama highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in addressing security challenges.
He pointed out that the entire anti-terrorism strategy of the West African sub-region was done in Accra and it’s an Accra initiative.
“Indeed, the whole anti-terrorism strategy of this sub region was done in Accra. It’s called Accra initiative. And so, we are the host of that initiative. So, we must be reaching out to them seeing how we can collaborate with them in order that we quench the fire in their houses.”
John Dramani Mahama Flag bearer of the NDC
The flag bearer of the NDC, Mr. Mahama advised that it would be appropriate for Ghana to reach out to Burkina Faso to address the perception of tension among the two West African states.
Mr. Mahama metaphorically stated that ” if there is fire in your neighbor’s house, and you don’t help him to put it off, it will spread to your house.
In addition to improving relations with Burkina Faso, Mahama underscored the urgent and necessity for Ghana to strengthen its surveillance and security measures to combat prevent possible terrorist attacks within the country’s borders.
“We must also strengthen our surveillance and security so that in case it comes into our borders, we are able to deal with it,” he said.
The former president highlighted the need to address the Bawku crisis, which has been festering across the border.
“We must solve the Bawku crisis as quickly as possible because just across the border is where this thing is happening, and terrorism feeds in through a weak link, and so where you have crisis, that is where it will come through”
The NDC Flagbearer also stated that the request for a new region in Ghana may be motivated by security concerns. “It can give a better focus on the security of the area and all that,” he said.
Mr. Mahama concluded by emphasizing the need for Ghana to prioritize regional cooperation and security in its foreign policy.
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