Ghana has hosted a Nigerian aircraft and its crew that were recently released by Burkina Faso after being detained for allegedly entering Burkinabe airspace without prior clearance. The delegation arrived in Ghana on Saturday, December 12, where they were officially received by Colonel Larry Gbevlo Lartey, Special Envoy of President John Dramani Mahama.
Diplomatic Engagement Prevents Escalation
Colonel Lartey emphasized that the prompt resolution reflects the effectiveness of diplomatic cooperation in West Africa, preventing the situation from escalating into a broader conflict.
“This incident is a clear reminder that we are brothers and partners in the West African subregion, capable of resolving differences amicably,” the Special Envoy said in a statement issued on the same day.
He also commended both Nigerian and Burkinabe authorities for their constructive collaboration, noting that timely diplomacy helped avert any strain on regional relations.
Technical Checks and Continued Journey
The aircraft crew will remain in Ghana briefly to conduct essential technical inspections before the aircraft continues its scheduled journey to Portugal for servicing.
Regional Cooperation Highlighted
Through this intervention, the Ghanaian government reaffirmed its commitment to fostering strong regional ties and ensuring that any similar incidents are addressed peacefully, efficiently, and with mutual respect among West African states.
Officials noted that the episode underscores the importance of clear communication and coordination between neighboring countries to maintain airspace security and prevent misunderstandings that could disrupt diplomatic relations.
Source:Africa Publicity
