Flag-bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has criticized the Akufo-Addo administration for its handling of diplomatic relations with Burkina Faso amid recent West African insurgency.
At a press engagement in Bolgatanga, following a four-day campaign tour of the Upper East Region, Mr. Mahama emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation with neighboring countries to mitigate external threats to Ghana.
He remarked that the current administration has strained relations with Burkina Faso due to the President’s controversial remarks.
Mr. Mahama referred to a video where the President spoke disparagingly about Ghana’s neighbors, which, according to him, exacerbated diplomatic tensions. Despite subsequent apologies, Mr. Mahama criticized the approach as ineffective.
“We all are here. We are suffering, America called you small and you’re so excited and then your neighbour you’re doing konkonsa about him and so it has created some diplomatic tension and after he said it he went there to apologize but still it’s not the best”, Mr. Mahama stated.
He revealed that the next government will prioritize repairing relations with Burkina Faso, noting Ghana’s role as the host of the Accra Initiative, a regional anti-terrorism strategy.
He warned that the spread of terrorism in Burkina Faso could pose significant threat to Ghana if not addressed promptly.
He highlighted the need for enhanced surveillance and security measures within Ghana to address potential threats and resolve the Bawku crisis as soon as possible.