A Security analyst and Executive Secretary of Global Security for Africa Research and Good Governance (GLOSARGG), Francis Ahovi, is of the view that President John Mahama risked his image to promote democracy in Burkina Faso by allowing the country’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, to attend his swearing-in ceremony.

Captain Traoré was one of the many heads of state worldwide who attended Mahama’s inauguration in Accra on Tuesday, January 7. The military leader was seen with a side firearm exchanging pleasantries with President Mahama.

However, his appearance was met with criticism from some Ghanaians, who questioned why he had not removed the firearm before greeting the president.

On his part, Mr Ahovi explained that it is generally unacceptable for the leader to carry a firearm before stepping onto the podium, but added that the military leader's act can be an accepted conduct between the two parties to achieve a goal. “It can be a breach of security protocol. However, this breach is based on common sense, where we all come together.”

Mr Ahovi further suggested that the incident shows President Mahama’s willingness to risk his image by encouraging Captain Traoré to accept civilian rule in Burkina Faso, allowing the country to rejoin ECOWAS.

“I think Mahama accepted him [Captain Traoré] because he believes he can engage him in peaceful negotiations. It won’t be long before Burkina Faso and the other two countries that decided not to be part of ECOWAS will return because of Mahama’s peaceful nature and negotiation skills,” Mr Ahovi said.

He continued, “Before you can change someone’s behaviour, you cannot remain distant from them. You have to use all methods, including negotiations, so I think Mahama’s acceptance of Traoré on that podium – though many may not understand it – is a strategy he has used to encourage Traoré to accept civilian government, even at the risk of his safety.”

Mr Ahovi stressed that President Mahama had “risked his own life and the lives of others at that event” and believes this risk will lead to a positive outcome, with military rule eventually being removed in Burkina Faso.

He also highlighted that Mahama’s actions demonstrate his effort to reaffirm Ghana’s relationship with other countries through peace-building.

“Mahama is trying to bring everyone on board, so he wants to accept everyone, whether they are dictators or not because in the end, we all need each other,” Mr Ahovi told Myjoyonline.com

He emphasized that Ghana must maintain a good relationship with Burkina Faso, as the two countries share many common interests, including the Volta Lake.

“The relationship must continue, because if we are in harmony, we can leverage each other’s knowledge, resources, and everything we can put together to strengthen our nation’s economy and security, especially in terms of upholding good governance,” he concluded.