Ghana’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Boniface Gambila, has rejected claims that the country’s relationship with Burkina Faso has been strained.
This comes after former President and National Democratic Congress flagbearer, John Mahama alleged that President Akufo-Addo’s recent commentary and engagement with the US government have affected the relationship between the two countries.
Speaking during a media interaction in the Upper East Region, Mr. Mahama criticised the President for causing “diplomatic tension” between the two states.
“We know what is happening in Burkina Faso, and we should be working closer with our comrades in Burkina Faso. Unfortunately, this government has created tension between us and Burkina Faso because our President went to open his mouth too widely, gossiping about your neighbour, so it has created some diplomatic tension.
“When government changes, we have to go and talk to our neighbours because we must work together. I think that we must improve our relationship,” he said.
But Ambassador Gambila has refuted Mr. Mahama’s assertions and described them as an attempt to incite tensions and urged the public to disregard them.
“We are working together as brothers and sisters, not even just as diplomats. So for a former President to go out there is wrong. If he is doing his campaign, he should just do his campaign and show his competence and ability but he should not tread into cross-border issues.
“Ghana Border Commission and Burkina Border Commission were together for over a week. We are hoping to meet again this month in Jirapa. Ghana Border Commission and Burkina Border Commission, they have been meeting every day,” he explained.
Contrary to the strained relationship allegation, he said that the relationship between Ghana and Burkina has been enhanced.
“I don’t want to attack the former President so much that he will think I am doing politics but these are the facts.
“As I am talking to you, Burkina’s top police are in Accra with Ghana’s top police exchanging knowledge and learning. When the Burkina government had to so some training for their police, they went round the various African countries, it is Ghana that they chose and today, they are in Ghana here.
“If the two presidents were not talking, like by now our President will be thinking”.
Source: Myjoyonline.com