During his swearing-in ceremony at Black Star Square today, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the military leader of Burkina Faso, was greeted warmly as he mounted the stage to congratulate President John Dramani Mahama.

Participants, including Ghanaian authorities and foreign visitors, cheered and applauded the arrival of Captain Traoré, a well-known character in the area.

His presence was welcomed by many, who saw it as a time of regional solidarity and unification.

Because of current disputes with Western powers and security concerns in Burkina Faso, there had initially been conjecture regarding Captain Traoré's ability to accept the invitation.

His presence at the ceremony, however, allayed any reservations and demonstrated his dedication to developing closer relations with Ghana.