Ghanaian Lawmaker Seeks Assistance from Burkina Faso Military to Locate and Safely Bring Back Seven Missing Residents
In a bid to locate and secure the safe return of seven missing residents from the communities of Bador and Tampizua in Bawku Municipality, Ghanaian lawmaker Mahama Ayariga has reached out to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, urging them to establish diplomatic relations with the military authorities in Burkina Faso.
The seven men, identified as Abdulai Bagre, Mumuni Seidu, Issaka Nyikabo, Abu Kadir Salifu, Jebrilu Braimah, Bande Mamudu, and Bande Shaibu, are believed to have been arrested by the Burkinabe military. Ayariga disclosed that these men had crossed into the Bittu District of Burkina Faso to retrieve their cattle, which had been driven there following an alleged attack on the nomadic herders grazing their animals.
Despite efforts to involve senior Ghanaian military personnel in the investigation, no results have been achieved thus far. Ayariga, who personally reached out to former members of the ECOWAS Parliament from Burkina Faso, did not receive any positive response. Consequently, he has penned a statement formally requesting assistance in locating, securing the release, and ensuring the return of the missing residents.
I hereby formally write to seek your assistance to locate and secure the release and return to Ghana seven residents of the communities of Bador and Tampizua in Bawku Municipality who are believed to have been arrested by the military authorities in Burkina Faso and despite every effort we have been unable to locate them and secure their return back to Ghana, Ayariga emphasized in his statement.
The urgency of this matter cannot be understated, as the families and communities affected anxiously await news of their loved ones. The persistent efforts of Mahama Ayariga in appealing for assistance reflect the determination to exhaust all possible avenues to ensure the safe return of these missing residents.
This plea for diplomatic cooperation between Ghana and Burkina Faso’s military forces opens up an important channel of communication that could potentially lead to locating the missing individuals and reuniting them with their families. The collaboration between both nations is crucial in addressing cross-border security issues and reinforcing the shared commitment to the safety and well-being of all citizens.
The government of Ghana and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration are expected to take this matter seriously, leveraging diplomatic ties to establish contact with the Burkinabe military authorities. Through collective efforts, it is hoped that the missing residents can be located, their release secured, and their safe return facilitated.
The families and communities affected eagerly await developments in this crucial mission to bring their loved ones back home. The determination displayed by Mahama Ayariga in pursuing every possible avenue reflects the unwavering commitment to securing the return of these missing residents. The collaboration between Ghana and Burkina Faso in addressing this issue sets a positive example for bilateral relations in the region.
