The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has clarified the assertion by former President John Dramani Mahama that the President’s comments have caused “diplomatic tension” between Ghana and Burkina Faso.

According to the Ministry, the claims are “wholly unfounded and lack substantial evidence or merit.”

In 2022, President Akufo-Addo alleged that Burkina Faso had hired some Russian mercenaries and entered into an agreement with the Wagner Forces.

He said at the US-Africa Leaders’ Summit in Wahington in 2022: “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.”

According to John Mahama, this comment by the president has led to tension with the neighbouring country although the president has offered an apology for his comment.

“We know what is happening in Burkina Faso. Indeed, we should be working closer with our comrades in Burkina Faso. Unfortunately, this government has created some tension between ourselves and Burkina Faso because our president went and opened his mouth too wide.

“You went and was doing ‘konkonsa’ about your neighbour. We are all here and suffering. America called you small, and you are so excited, and your neighbour you are doing konkonsa about him, so it has created some diplomatic tension.

“He went there and went and apologise but still, it is not the best, and so when government changes, we have to go and talk to our neighbours. Indeed, we must work together,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the ministry, in a statement, wrote, “It is recalled that a ministerial visit to Burkina Faso in 2022, followed by a visit of the President in 2023, received the highest level of courtesies and hospitality and reinforced the commitment of the two fraternal countries to building stronger bonds of cooperation across all fields, for the mutual benefit of our two people and our region.”

It said Ghana is committed to maintaining diplomatic relations with Burkina Faso.

“The Ministry therefore called for a focus on building bridges and strengthening ties with our neighbour rather than spreading falsehoods that only serve to undermine the spirit of international cooperation,” it further noted.

SSD/OGB

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