The President’s Special Envoy to the Sahel, Col. Larry Gbevlo Lartey (rtd), has received a Nigerian aircraft and its crew in Ghana following their release by the authorities of Burkina Faso after a brief detention over an alleged violation of Burkinabe airspace.
The aircraft and its crew were released after diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and Burkina Faso, bringing the matter to an amicable resolution.
Receiving the aircrew on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, Col. Gbevlo Lartey praised the governments of both countries for choosing dialogue over confrontation.
“This incident is a clear reminder that we are brothers and sisters in the West African subregion,” Col. Gbevlo Lartey said.
“Even when misunderstandings occur, we have the capacity to resolve them in a neighbourly manner through diplomacy.”
He stressed that Ghana was pleased to support the process and provide a safe stopover for the crew, describing the outcome as a victory for regional cooperation and peaceful engagement.
“The peaceful resolution of this matter demonstrates the strength of diplomatic channels within our subregion and our shared commitment to good neighbourliness,” he added.
The crew is expected to remain in Ghana temporarily to rest and carry out technical checks on the aircraft while awaiting clearance to continue their journey to Portugal, where the aircraft is scheduled for servicing.
The development has been hailed as a positive example of cooperation among West African states at a time when regional unity and dialogue are critical to addressing cross-border challenges.
The update was confirmed in a statement issued by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
